Ridley Scott’s science-fiction legacy is finding a second life on television even as his latest theatrical venture faces significant financial headwinds. As Alien: Earth moves into production for its second season with a high-profile new cast, Scott’s 2026 film The Dog Stars has struggled to find an audience, highlighting a stark divide between the director’s small-screen work and current box office reality.
The contrast comes at a pivotal moment for the 88-year-old filmmaker. While Alien: Earth is in production for its second season, his $110 million post-apocalyptic thriller The Dog Stars has grossed only approximately $39 million globally. The film features a cast led by Jacob Elordi and Josh Brolin.
Alien: Earth Moves Production to London
As of September 2026, production for the second season of Alien: Earth is officially underway in London. This move comes alongside a major expansion of the show’s ensemble.
The upcoming season has added several high-profile names to its roster. Alien: Earth Season 2 will feature Peter Dinklage, Jerome Flynn, and Tracey Ullman. While specific plot details for the new episodes remain under wraps, the production timeline suggests a likely premiere in 2027.
The series, led by showrunner Noah Hawley, represents a specific creative direction for the franchise that focuses on Earth-bound corporate intrigue and the arrival of the Xenomorph. This television expansion appears to have captured the public’s attention more effectively than Scott’s recent theatrical efforts, which have faced a more polarized reception at the box office.
The Future of the Alien Prequels
While Alien: Earth thrives on Disney+ and Hulu, Ridley Scott has confirmed he is not finished with his own specific vision for the film franchise. Scott has stated he is developing a new Alien feature film that would return to the storyline established in Prometheus and Covenant. This project is expected to center on the android David, portrayed by Michael Fassbender.
This dual-track approach for the franchise creates an unusual scenario where two distinct versions of the Alien universe coexist: Hawley’s television prequel and Scott’s philosophical, David-centric film series.
The financial disappointment of The Dog Stars—which also featured Margaret Qualley, Guy Pearce, and Benedict Wong—has not slowed Scott’s development slate. Beyond the potential David-focused sequel, the director is also linked to a remake of Treasure Island starring Hugh Jackman. However, the production of Alien: Earth Season 2 suggests that, for the moment, the Xenomorph’s greatest stronghold remains the small screen.
