The New 'Alien' Movie Will Have You Screaming in Theaters, Even If You Can't Scream in Space

Aliens are everywhere right now, or at least it seems that way to the House Oversight Committee. Many images of aliens come to mind, from little green men to looming octopi-like entities, but nothing has left quite the same impression as Ridley Scott’s Alien franchise. The quick-moving Xenomorphs, with elongated skulls and gnashing teeth, will make their return to the screen next summer in the newest addition to the Alien franchise.

The untitled Alien film, from director Fede Álvarez, wrapped filming in early July, according to an Instagram post made by Álvarez. The movie features a brand-new cast of characters and marks the first Alien endeavor since the 2012 and 2017 prequels. Not much is known about the newest installment (even the official title has been withheld), but some details have emerged since the project was first announced last year.

From the anticipated release date to the up-and-coming cast members, here is everything we’ve gathered so far about the new, untitled Alien movie.

Related: We Ranked the 101 Best Science Fiction Movies of All Time, From ‘Metropolis’ to ‘Dune’

When will the new Alien movie be released?

The new Alien movie will be released on August 16, 2024.

How to watch the new Alien

The movie was originally destined for Hulu, but Disney announced the new premiere date as part of its theatrical release calendar (per The Hollywood Reporter), so it looks like the film is heading to the big screen. Most likely it will end up on Hulu after its theatrical run.

Who is in the cast of the new Alien?

The new Alien movie features several up-and-coming actors. While character specifics haven’t been revealed, check out the cast list below.

Cailee Spaeny

Cailee Spaeny will star as the film’s lead. Spaeny gained notoriety for her roles in The Craft: Legacy (2020) and Mare of Easttown (2021). She is also slated to star as Priscilla Presley in Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla (2023).

David Jonsson

David Jonsson came to fame for his work in Industry (2020–present) and recently made headlines for starring in the hit indie British romantic comedy Rye Lane (2023).

Isabela Merced

A Nickelodeon teen star, Isabela Merced has become a rising star in the film world. Best known for her work as Dora the Explorer in Dora and the Lost City of Gold (2019), Merced has also appeared in Instant Family (2018) and Rosaline (2022), among other films.

Archie Renaux

Archie Renaux is one of the stars of the Shadow and Bone TV series, but he also spent much of last year appearing in movies, including Morbius (2022), Catherine Called Birdy (2022) and The Greatest Beer Run Ever (2022).

Spike Fearn

Spike Fearn is best known for appearing in Aftersun (2022).

Aileen Wu

Aileen Wu is a feature film newcomer. She has appeared in short films, theater, and also works on the creative end of productions.

What is the new Alien about?

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the publication that broke most of the casting news, the new Alien will focus on a group of young people, as opposed to the established career-driven characters of the original. The group will come up against a Xenomorph, the infamous alien race from the previous movies, who implants the eggs of its young into people’s stomachs through face-huggers. Not much else has been revealed, but the plot is expected to keep on theme with the rest of the franchise.

Related: How to Watch ‘Alien’ Movies In Order, Including ‘Alien vs. Predator’ Crossovers

Is the new Alien a sequel?

The new Alien is neither a sequel nor prequel and instead serves as a standalone addition to the franchise. It is the ninth overall Alien film, including the Alien and Predator crossover films.

Will there be more Alien stories?

An Alien TV series from Noah Hawley (Fargo, Legion) is in the works and will premiere on FX on Hulu.

Who is the creative team behind the new Alien?

Fede Álvarez is the director of the new Alien. He brings years of horror expertise to the film, as the director behind Evil Dead (2013), Don’t Breathe (2016) and The Girl in the Spider’s Web (2018). Álvarez co-wrote the script with his frequent collaborator, Rodo Sayagues.

Will Ridley Scott be involved with the new Alien?

Although Ridley Scott won’t return as a director, he is signed on as a producer through his production company, Scott Free Productions. In addition to the Alien franchise, Scott Free is one of the production companies behind hit movies like Gladiator (2000) and Black Hawk Down (2002). Scott Free was also one of the production backers of The Good Wife (2009-2016).

Will Sigourney Weaver's Ripley be in the new Alien?

Sigourney Weaver’s Ripley became the most beloved character in the Alien franchise, but her time starring in the series seems to have come to an end. In an interview with Total Film earlier this year, she told the publication that “that ship has sailed.” “I’m very happy doing what I’m doing,” she explained. “I put in my time in space!” As with anything in Hollywood, never say never, but it looks like Ripley’s Alien days are over.

Is there a trailer for the new Alien?

The new Alien just wrapped filming, so there probably won’t be any official footage or trailers released for a while. Make sure to check back here closer to the official release date for updates.

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