Re-evaluating 'Alien: Covenant' Amidst Franchise Resurgence

Unearthing the Depths: 'Alien: Covenant's' Enduring Legacy in a Shifting Universe

A Franchise Reawakened: The Current Landscape of 'Alien'

Since its acquisition of 20th Century Fox in 2019, Disney has remarkably breathed new life into the 'Alien' cinematic universe. While the initial films, 'Alien' and 'Aliens,' are celebrated masterpieces, subsequent sequels often struggled to resonate with audiences. Even original director Ridley Scott's efforts in the 2010s, beginning with 'Prometheus' in 2012, faced challenges due to their philosophical undertones, which proved too complex for a broad viewership. Nevertheless, recent developments signal a brighter future for the biomechanical extraterrestrial; the successful release of 'Alien: Romulus' has revitalized the film series, and the upcoming 'Alien: Earth' promises to introduce the terrifying xenomorph to our home planet for the very first time in a television format.

'Covenant's' Unique Position: Bridging Gaps and Challenging Norms

Released in 2017, 'Alien: Covenant' occupies a distinctive and somewhat contentious space within the franchise narrative. Following criticism that 'Prometheus' diverged too much from the established 'Alien' aesthetic, Scott crafted 'Covenant' as a deliberate blend. It intricately weaves the expansive world-building seen in its predecessor with classic 'Alien' elements, such as deserted starships and intense creature encounters. While the film may not universally be considered a masterpiece, it does deliver a number of unforgettable sequences, largely propelled by the unsettling performance of Michael Fassbender as the android David, a character first introduced in 'Prometheus.'

The Director's Vision: Unraveling Scott's Intentions for 'Covenant'

Contrary to popular belief, Ridley Scott revealed in an interview with SciFiNow that 'Covenant' was not simply a reactive response to the fan reception of 'Prometheus.' Instead, its development had been in motion for a considerable period, explaining the continuation of David's storyline from the first film into the second. Scott himself confirmed that leaving David alive at the conclusion of 'Prometheus' was a conscious decision, anticipating a future installment. He also hinted at plans for a third film in what he termed the "David" trilogy, aiming to conclude his prequel narrative and provide definitive answers regarding the genesis of the xenomorphs and their enigmatic creators, the Engineers. However, the current trajectory of the franchise suggests this original vision may remain unfulfilled.

Shifting Narratives: The Future of 'Alien' and the Disregard for Prequels

In a recent discussion, Noah Hawley, the showrunner for the forthcoming 'Alien: Earth,' expressed that the events depicted in 'Prometheus' and 'Covenant' held limited utility for his new series. While acknowledging consultations with Scott, Hawley emphasized that the prequels' origin narrative, which ambiguously portrays the xenomorph as a biological weapon designed by David, was less compelling than the original film's portrayal of the creature as a 'perfect life form' that evolved naturally over eons. Although Hawley's perspective holds validity, given the timeless appeal of the original 'Alien,' it potentially overlooks the deeper mythological foundation Scott aimed to construct with 'Covenant.' Scott's planned prequel trilogy was designed not just as an origin story, but as a sweeping, almost biblical space epic intended to provide a comprehensive mythology for the brutal dystopian future of the 'Alien' universe. Without this rich backstory, the franchise might find itself relying solely on the retro-futuristic aesthetic of the initial films, which can only sustain it for so long.

The Enduring Value: Why 'Covenant' Deserves Another Look

It has become increasingly evident that the future direction of the 'Alien' saga under Disney's stewardship may diverge significantly from Scott's intended prequel trilogy, especially since Scott himself has declared his departure from the franchise. Nevertheless, even as the narrative evolves, it remains worthwhile to revisit 'Alien: Covenant.' Despite its imperfections and the mixed reception it garnered, the film represents a bold attempt to imbue the 'Alien' universe with a profound origin story, a goal that, to a significant extent, it managed to achieve. Its availability on streaming platforms like HBO Max and Hulu offers a prime opportunity to re-evaluate this complex and often misunderstood chapter.