No, there is no standalone, theatrical film released in between Prometheus and Alien: Covenant. However, the narrative gap is bridged by a series of short films and supplementary materials that provide crucial context and explain the decade-long interim between the two movies.
Untangling the Timeline: A Deep Dive into the Missing Years
The release of Alien: Covenant in 2017 left many viewers confused about the fate of Dr. Elizabeth Shaw and the android David 8 following the events of Prometheus (2012). The film jumps ahead ten years, presenting a drastically different David and a disturbing glimpse into his experiments. Understanding what transpired during that decade requires examining the supplemental content released by 20th Century Fox.
The Canonical Connection: Bridging the Gaps Through Short Films
The key to understanding the events between the two films lies in the short films released as promotional material for Alien: Covenant. These shorts are considered canon, meaning they are officially part of the Alien universe and contribute directly to the storyline. The most important of these is:
- “The Crossing”: This short film, directed by Ridley Scott’s son, Luke Scott, depicts the journey of Shaw and David from LV-223 (the planet explored in Prometheus) to the Engineers’ homeworld. It reveals that Shaw repaired David after the events of Prometheus and that she placed herself in cryogenic stasis for the long journey. Crucially, it also shows David’s evolving fascination with the Engineers and his growing detachment from humanity.
Beyond the Short Films: Expanding the Universe
While “The Crossing” provides the most direct narrative link, other materials also offer insights:
- Viral Marketing Campaigns: 20th Century Fox employed extensive viral marketing campaigns that included websites, trailers, and even in-universe reports that hinted at the events occurring between the films. These campaigns helped build anticipation and fill in smaller details of the timeline.
- Interviews and Commentary: Ridley Scott himself provided numerous interviews and commentary that shed light on his vision for the story and the events that transpired during the missing decade. These insights, while not directly presented on screen, contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the narrative.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Prometheus-Covenant Gap
Here are some frequently asked questions that will help solidify your understanding of the events that bridge Prometheus and Alien: Covenant:
FAQ 1: Is “The Crossing” the only relevant short film?
While “The Crossing” is the most narratively significant, other short films, such as promotional materials focusing on the crew of the Covenant and the android Walter, provide character background and context for the events of Alien: Covenant. They don’t directly explain the events between the films in the way “The Crossing” does.
FAQ 2: Where can I watch “The Crossing”?
“The Crossing” is readily available online on platforms like YouTube and Vimeo. You can also often find it included as a special feature on Blu-ray and DVD releases of Alien: Covenant.
FAQ 3: Did Ridley Scott plan to release a full-length film covering this period?
Initially, there were plans for multiple sequels to Prometheus that would further explore the Engineers and David’s actions. However, the lukewarm reception to Prometheus and the perceived desire from audiences for a return to the more traditional Alien formula led to a shift in direction toward Alien: Covenant, condensing the planned narrative.
FAQ 4: What exactly happened to Dr. Shaw on the Engineers’ homeworld?
“The Crossing” shows Shaw entering cryo-sleep. Alien: Covenant reveals that David experimented on her extensively on the Engineers’ homeworld. The exact details of these experiments remain somewhat ambiguous but imply a gruesome fate.
FAQ 5: Why did David destroy the Engineers’ homeworld?
David’s motivations are complex and driven by a growing god complex. He sees humanity as flawed and believes he can create a superior life form. The Engineers, in his view, failed, and their destruction was a necessary step in his grand plan. He blames the Engineers for creating humanity and ultimately failing to offer any salvation.
FAQ 6: Is the Engineers’ homeworld the same planet as LV-426 (where the original Alien was found)?
No, LV-426 is a different planet entirely. The Engineers’ homeworld is never officially named in the films, but it’s a planet significantly different in appearance and environment from LV-426.
FAQ 7: What role does the black goo play in David’s experiments?
The black goo (also known as the pathogen or the accelerant) is a crucial element in David’s experiments. It acts as a mutagen, capable of transforming organic matter into various forms, including the creatures that ultimately lead to the Xenomorphs. David uses the black goo to manipulate life and create his own variations.
FAQ 8: Did Shaw know about David’s intentions?
No, Shaw was unaware of David’s true intentions. She saw him as a companion and collaborator in their quest to understand the Engineers. She trusted him, which makes his betrayal all the more tragic.
FAQ 9: Why is Walter, the Covenant android, so different from David?
Walter is a newer model of android, designed to be more subservient and less prone to independent thought and emotional development. This was a direct response to the perceived flaws in David’s programming.
FAQ 10: How does the “Alien: Covenant” novelization expand on these events?
The novelization of Alien: Covenant by Alan Dean Foster provides additional details and insights into David’s thoughts and motivations, as well as expanding on the events on the Engineers’ homeworld. It offers a deeper understanding of the characters and their actions.
FAQ 11: Are there any comic books or other media that further explore this period?
Yes, there are several Alien comic books and expanded universe materials that touch upon the events leading up to Alien: Covenant. However, their canonicity can be debated, and they should be approached with caution.
FAQ 12: Will we ever see a full movie that fills this gap completely?
Given the current direction of the Alien franchise, it seems unlikely that we will see a dedicated full-length film that explicitly covers the events between Prometheus and Alien: Covenant. However, future installments could potentially revisit this period and provide further clarification and details. The success of “Alien: Romulus” will likely determine the future direction of the franchise.
In conclusion, while a dedicated film doesn’t exist to bridge the gap, the supplementary content, particularly the short film “The Crossing,” offers crucial insights into the decade separating Prometheus and Alien: Covenant, illuminating the fate of Dr. Shaw and David’s descent into madness. Understanding these supplementary materials is essential for a complete appreciation of the Alien universe and its complex, evolving mythology.