For fans of gritty, groundbreaking sci-fi, few franchises hold a candle to Alien. The 1979 classic, directed by Ridley Scott, set a new standard for the genre with its claustrophobic terror and unforgettable characters. Now, two of its original stars are set to reunite for a special event that promises to peel back the curtain on the making of this iconic film.
Tom Skerritt, who played the stoic and conflicted Captain Dallas, and Veronica Cartwright, who portrayed the emotionally raw Navigator Lambert, will appear together at Rose City Comic Con in Portland, Oregon. The convention, taking place from September 11 to 13 at the Oregon Convention Center, will host an exclusive panel where the duo will share never-before-heard stories from their time on Alien and their other projects. This marks a rare joint appearance for the actors, who have both remained active in sharing their experiences working with Scott and later with James Cameron on the sequel Aliens.
While Alien remains a pinnacle of sci-fi horror, the franchise has seen its ups and downs. Scott's original film is often hailed as his best work, even alongside other classics like Blade Runner and The Martian. James Cameron's Aliens (1986) is equally beloved, but David Fincher's Alien 3 has been openly criticized by the director himself. Despite these fluctuations, the franchise's staying power is a testament to its compelling mythology and the stars who brought it to life.
In recent years, Skerritt and Cartwright have been candid about their experiences on set, and this panel offers fans a chance to dive deeper. Skerritt's Captain Dallas was the doomed leader of the Nostromo, while Cartwright's Lambert delivered one of the film's most haunting performances. Their reunion is a must-see for anyone who appreciates the roots of sci-fi cinema.
Looking ahead, the next live-action Alien project on the horizon is the second season of Alien: Earth, which is already in production. While it's not expected to premiere until early 2027, anticipation is building. Meanwhile, Marvel recently announced a new X-Men vs. Alien comic book series, pitting the famous mutants against the Xenomorphs. Ridley Scott and Alien: Romulus director Fede Alvarez are also searching for a director for a sequel to the 2024 film, though production is likely still far off.
For fans of the franchise, this reunion is a rare opportunity to hear firsthand accounts from the actors who helped define the series. Rose City Comic Con passes are available now, and with this exclusive panel, it's shaping up to be a highlight of the convention season.
Stay tuned for more updates on Alien and other sci-fi events. In the meantime, check out our recap of Sugar Season 1 for another take on alien noir mystery, or read about Alan Tudyk's Resident Alien landing on Netflix UK.
