Alien Timeline: Prometheus To Resurrection & Beyond!
Are you ready to navigate the treacherous, acid-drenched corridors of the Alien franchise? Prepare yourself, because understanding the chronological order of the Xenomorph saga is a journey through centuries, spanning from the genesis of life to the far reaches of space, and it's more complex than a facehugger's embrace.
The complete Alien timeline, a sprawling tapestry of science fiction horror, isn't as simple as watching the films in the order of their release. With prequels, sequels, and various side stories, it's a tangled web that demands careful unwinding. This comprehensive guide aims to clarify the convoluted chronological arrangement, including the pivotal role of the Predator films, and ensure you experience the narrative in its intended sequence.
Cameron K McEwan, Ian Sandwell, and Mireia Mullor, in an update to their original analysis, highlight the core of the franchise and address the questions of canon. Notably, the article emphasizes that the Alien vs. Predator (AvP) media exist in their own, separate timelines, not directly impacting the core Alien narrative. The franchise, encompassing everything from the chiseled Engineer's fateful encounter with the black goo to the events of Alien: Resurrection, offers a journey that is as thrilling as it is chilling.
The following table outlines the key events and timelines within the Alien franchise.
| Year (Timeline) | Event/Film | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Millennia Ago (Speculative) | The Engineer's Sacrifice | An Engineer, on an unknown planet, ingests the black goo, initiating the creation of the Xenomorph's biological precursors. |
| 2089 | Prometheus | A team of explorers investigates a star system, uncovering secrets about the origins of humanity and the Engineers. |
| 2093 | The Crossing (Short Prologue) | A glimpse into the fates of Elizabeth Shaw and David after the events of Prometheus. |
| 2104 | Alien: Covenant | The crew of the colony ship Covenant encounters a hostile planet and the aftermath of the events of Prometheus. |
| 2122 | Alien | The crew of the commercial towing vehicle Nostromo encounter a deadly extraterrestrial life form. |
| 2143 | Alien Romulus (Upcoming Film) | Takes place between Alien and Aliens and will bridge the gap between the two films. |
| 2179 | Aliens | Ellen Ripley, the sole survivor of the Nostromo, is awakened and joins a team of Colonial Marines to investigate a distress call on the planet LV-426. |
| 2179 | Alien 3 | Ripley crash-lands on a prison planet, encountering a new Xenomorph threat. |
| 2381 | Alien: Resurrection | Scientists clone Ripley, and the Xenomorph threat continues, with Ripley's DNA combined with the alien. |
The chronological order, which differs from the release order, is crucial for fully grasping the story's intricacies. The Prometheus duology serves as a prequel, setting the stage for the events of Alien. Alien: Covenant further expands upon the narrative started in Prometheus, explaining the xenomorphs' origins. The original Alien, released in 1979, kicks off the main storyline that continues in Aliens, Alien 3, and Alien: Resurrection.
The inclusion of Alien: Romulus marks an important moment in the saga. The new film, situated between the events of Alien and Aliens (in 2142), intends to bridge the gap between these two pivotal films. The film promises to provide a fresh perspective on the Alien universe, making it an essential piece for fans who want to experience the story's expansive scale.
The franchise's complexity stems from the multiple timelines, each offering a unique perspective. However, the primary focus should always be on the core storyline: Prometheus, Covenant, Alien, Aliens, Alien 3, and Alien: Resurrection. This core narrative focuses on human survival against a superior, hostile extraterrestrial life form, and this focus forms the heart of the Alien saga.
The Alien vs. Predator (AvP) films, which, while entertaining, exist in a separate continuity, have no direct impact on the main Alien timeline. The same goes for the Predator films, which have their universe. The films include Predator 1 and 2, Predators, the Predator, and Prey.
The significance of Prometheus and Covenant in the Alien saga cannot be overstated. As prequels, these movies delve into the origins of the Xenomorphs and the Engineers. This provides viewers with deeper context for the events of Alien and its sequels. These movies offer a profound exploration of creation, destruction, and the nature of life itself. The narrative explores the creation of the Xenomorphs, which adds considerable depth to the original film's horror elements.
For those seeking a deeper understanding of the story, it is essential to experience the films in chronological order. Start with Prometheus, move through Covenant, and then experience the chilling suspense of Alien. After that, go on to the action-packed Aliens, the grim atmosphere of Alien 3, and the cloned chaos of Alien: Resurrection. This provides a complete and coherent view of the Alien universe.
The world of Alien is vast, with each film expanding the universe and introducing new mysteries. The ongoing development of the franchise, including the upcoming Alien show, guarantees that there will be more tales to tell. Whether it's through films, comics, or games, the story of the Xenomorphs continues to evolve, captivating new audiences and keeping long-time fans engaged.
The upcoming Alien: Romulus and the show based on the Alien universe represent the franchise's continued expansion. These new projects promise to enhance and expand the established timeline. By staying up-to-date with new content, fans can keep abreast of the franchise's complex and thrilling world.
This chronology provides a comprehensive summary of the Alien saga's evolution, beginning with the ancient origins to the distant future. By observing the timeline, viewers gain a complete understanding of the narrative. This helps to appreciate the creative genius and the ongoing relevance of this science fiction masterpiece. With Alien: Romulus and the forthcoming show on the horizon, the Alien saga is set to continue its reign in the science fiction world.
To assist with understanding, here's a suggested viewing order:
- Prometheus (2012)
- Alien: Covenant (2017)
- Alien (1979)
- Alien: Romulus (Upcoming film)
- Aliens (1986)
- Alien 3 (1992)
- Alien: Resurrection (1997)
This guide offers a robust roadmap to navigate the Alien franchise. It's a journey worth taking for fans of science fiction and horror, and it underscores the franchise's lasting influence in the genre.
