Fans of the long-running Alien series have a lot to look forward to in the coming years. Sir Ridley Scott will be present behind the camera for the Prometheus sequel, Alien: Covenant. He has also disclosed the exciting news that Covenant will actually be part of a trilogy which ties in directly the first Alien and explains the origins of the terrifying xenomorphs. Following his announcements, producers set a production start date for Alien: Covenant in April, with a Fall 2017 release date set.
With production about to ramp up, all the pieces of the Prometheus follow up are falling into place. Scott will direct a script doctored by John Logan (Spectre), and the current cast includes Michael Fassbinder, who played android David in the original and Katherine Waterston as the female lead – although unfortunately it looks like Naomi Rapace (Elizabeth Shaw) won’t be returning, at least in a significant capacity. We’ve now learned of a surprising potential addition to the cast: Danny McBride.
The Wrap reports that McBride is discussing a co-starring role in the upcoming Alien predecessor with 20th Century Fox. Best known for his starring role as Kenny Powers on HBO’s Eastbound & Down and raunchy comedies such as This is the End, the comedian/actor hasn’t taken on too many dramatic roles to date (exceptions like his turn in Jason Reitman’s Up in the Air aside). Signing on for Covenant is a move that could showcase his acting range, while also increasing his marketability. But McBride is also supposedly a major movie buff, who would likely relish an opportunity to work with renowned director Scott. Reportedly, the two even connected over their love of cinema upon recently meeting.
While McBride would likely portray a serious character in the film, it’s possible Scott may use him to add some levity to the production, although he’d have to tone down his usually ribald wit. But since McBride would likely be playing one of the colonists who discover David ten years after the events of Prometheus, there may be a few opportunities for McBride shuffle some low key space humor into the mix – probably as a way of diffusing the nightmare scenario unfolding for the crew of the Covenant.
Although Scott isn’t known for using heavy doses of comedy in his serious films, he clearly has a good sense of humor. He has directed a handful of comedies and also encouraged Matt Damon’s great dry moments which livened up The Martian. Scott is also an accomplished director and screenwriter as well, who had no problems coaxing a fantastic serious performance from Kristen Wiig in the red planet drama. And if McBride has half the chops for drama as he does for comedy, he should make a fine addition to Alien: Covenant.
Alien: Covenant is currently scheduled to open in U.S. theaters on October 6th, 2017.
Source: The Wrap
