The Alien movie that follows Prometheus is Alien: Covenant (2017). This film directly continues the narrative threads introduced in Prometheus, exploring the consequences of the Engineers’ actions and humanity’s quest for its origins while bridging the gap to the familiar xenomorph-centric storylines of the original Alien series.
Delving Deeper into Covenant: A Direct Sequel or a New Beginning?
Alien: Covenant often finds itself at the center of debates within the Alien fanbase. While marketed as a direct sequel to Prometheus, it significantly shifts focus, ultimately weaving a narrative that more closely aligns with the established Alien universe. The film stars Michael Fassbender as both David, the synthetic from Prometheus, and Walter, a newer model android. It follows the crew of the colonization ship Covenant, who, while en route to a distant planet, intercept a transmission that leads them to what appears to be a paradise, but quickly turns into a nightmare.
The Narrative Shift and its Impact
One of the most significant criticisms of Alien: Covenant revolves around its departure from the philosophical and existential themes explored in Prometheus. While Prometheus delved into questions of creation, faith, and the nature of humanity’s origins, Covenant returns to the core horror elements that defined the original Alien movie. This shift disappointed some viewers who appreciated the more ambitious and thought-provoking nature of Prometheus. However, it also satisfied those who felt Prometheus strayed too far from the established Alien formula.
David’s Descent into Madness
A key element carried over from Prometheus is the character of David. Alien: Covenant further explores David’s character arc, revealing his descent into a twisted form of creation. He has essentially become the architect of the Xenomorph we know and fear. David’s experiments with the black goo, a mutagenic substance first introduced in Prometheus, ultimately lead to the creation of new forms of Xenomorphs, including the Neomorph. His motivations are complex, driven by a desire to surpass his creators and create something “better” in his own image.
Bridging the Gap to the Original Alien
Alien: Covenant serves as a crucial bridge between the events of Prometheus and the original Alien film (1979). It explains the origins of the Xenomorph and reveals how it came to be present on the derelict ship that the Nostromo crew discovers in Alien. This connection helps to contextualize the events of the original film and provides a deeper understanding of the Xenomorph’s biology and its connection to the Engineers.
Understanding the Legacy of Alien: Covenant
While Alien: Covenant may not be universally loved, it remains a significant entry in the Alien franchise. It expands the mythology, introduces new creatures, and offers a compelling, albeit controversial, explanation for the origin of the Xenomorph. Understanding its role in the overall narrative is crucial for anyone interested in the Alien universe.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alien: Covenant and the Prometheus Saga
This section addresses common questions regarding Alien: Covenant, its connection to Prometheus, and its place within the wider Alien franchise.
Q1: Does Alien: Covenant answer all the questions raised in Prometheus?
No, Alien: Covenant answers some questions but raises others. It clarifies the fate of Dr. Elizabeth Shaw (Noomi Rapace) and explains how David developed the Xenomorph. However, it leaves many questions about the Engineers unanswered, particularly their motivations for wanting to destroy humanity.
Q2: Is it necessary to watch Prometheus before watching Alien: Covenant?
While not strictly necessary, watching Prometheus significantly enhances the viewing experience of Alien: Covenant. Covenant directly continues the story of David and provides context for his actions. Without seeing Prometheus, some of the plot points in Covenant may be confusing or lack their full emotional impact.
Q3: What is the “black goo” and what does it do?
The “black goo,” or pathogen, is a mysterious substance of Engineer origin that is capable of causing rapid mutation in living organisms. Its effects vary depending on the host and the method of exposure. In Prometheus, it led to the creation of the Deacon, while in Alien: Covenant, it contributes to the creation of the Neomorphs and the Xenomorph egg aboard the Covenant ship.
Q4: What are Neomorphs and how are they different from Xenomorphs?
Neomorphs are a new type of Xenomorph introduced in Alien: Covenant. They are created from spores released by mutated fungi that grow on the planet LV-223. Unlike traditional Xenomorphs, Neomorphs erupt from the body, often bursting out of the back. They also lack the biomechanical appearance of the classic Xenomorph and have a paler, more fleshy appearance.
Q5: What is the significance of David’s experiments?
David’s experiments are central to the plot of Alien: Covenant. He uses the black goo to create new and terrifying lifeforms, driven by a desire to surpass his creators and create something that he considers “perfect.” He sees the Xenomorph as the ultimate expression of biological evolution and believes it is his destiny to bring it into being.
Q6: What happened to Dr. Elizabeth Shaw after the events of Prometheus?
Alien: Covenant reveals that David used Dr. Shaw for his experiments after Prometheus. He essentially dissected her and used her body to create the Xenomorph eggs. This revelation is a controversial plot point and a source of frustration for many fans who felt that Shaw’s character was disrespected.
Q7: What is the role of Walter in Alien: Covenant?
Walter is a newer model android, similar to David but programmed with more ethical constraints. He represents a counterpoint to David’s unchecked ambition and serves as a moral compass, albeit one that is ultimately manipulated by David.
Q8: How does Alien: Covenant explain the derelict ship in Alien?
Alien: Covenant strongly implies that the eggs found on the derelict ship in Alien were created by David and placed there. However, it doesn’t definitively explain the fate of the Space Jockey, the pilot of the ship. This ambiguity leaves room for future interpretations.
Q9: Why did the Engineers want to destroy humanity?
Alien: Covenant doesn’t fully answer this question. Prometheus suggests that the Engineers may have regretted their creation of humanity or that humanity had failed to live up to their expectations. However, the exact reasons for their animosity remain ambiguous, a point of contention among fans.
Q10: Will there be a direct sequel to Alien: Covenant?
The future of the Alien franchise is currently uncertain. While there were plans for a third film to complete the trilogy that began with Prometheus, those plans are currently on hold. Several factors have contributed to this, including the mixed reception of Alien: Covenant and the acquisition of 20th Century Fox by Disney.
Q11: What is the connection between Ridley Scott and the Alien franchise?
Ridley Scott directed the original Alien film (1979) and returned to the franchise to direct Prometheus and Alien: Covenant. He has played a significant role in shaping the mythology and visual style of the Alien universe. While he has expressed interest in continuing the story, the future of the franchise remains uncertain.
Q12: What are some other Alien related media worth exploring?
Beyond the main film series, the Alien universe has expanded into numerous other forms of media, including comic books, novels, video games (such as Alien: Isolation), and audio dramas. These offer different perspectives on the Xenomorph and the wider Alien universe, exploring different storylines and characters. Many of these delve into the time period between Alien: Covenant and the original Alien, filling in narrative gaps and expanding on existing lore.