Alien Timeline: Prometheus To Resurrection - Your Guide
Is the Alien franchise's chronology a complex, sprawling mess, or a meticulously crafted tapestry of terror spanning centuries? The complete Alien timeline, from the enigmatic origins in Prometheus to the chilling events of Alien: Resurrection, presents a narrative that is both intricate and endlessly captivating.
The Alien universe, a landscape of cosmic horror and relentless survival, has captivated audiences for decades. The franchise, beginning with Ridley Scott's groundbreaking 1979 film, has since spawned numerous sequels, prequels, and spin-offs, each contributing to a complex and often contradictory timeline. Navigating this chronology requires a keen understanding of the core films, the prequels that sought to unravel the mysteries of the xenomorph's origins, and the various expanded universe materials that have further enriched the lore. This comprehensive guide delves into the official timeline, separating canon from non-canon, and providing a clear roadmap for those brave enough to venture into the heart of the Alien saga.
The timeline, as we know it, is a journey through both time and space, from the dawn of creation to the far reaches of the galaxy. Understanding the order in which to experience this vast universe is crucial for truly appreciating the nuances of the story, and to be able to appreciate the beauty of the world-building that has happened over many years.
| Film Title | Release Year | Setting | Key Events | Director |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prometheus | 2012 | 2093 | A team of scientists explores a distant planet, seeking the origins of humanity and encountering the Engineers, the creators of the xenomorph's biological weapon. | Ridley Scott |
| Alien: Covenant | 2017 | 2104 | The crew of the colony ship Covenant discovers a habitable planet and makes contact with the last remaining Engineer, setting the stage for the creation of the Xenomorph. | Ridley Scott |
| Alien | 1979 | 2122 | The crew of the Nostromo encounters a deadly alien lifeform, setting the stage for the horror to come. | Ridley Scott |
| Aliens | 1986 | 2179 | Ellen Ripley, the sole survivor of the Nostromo, returns to the planet where the alien was first discovered, accompanied by a team of colonial marines. | James Cameron |
| Alien 3 | 1992 | 2179 | Ripley crash-lands on a prison planet, where a xenomorph is loose, and the prisoner must fight for survival. | David Fincher |
| Alien Resurrection | 1997 | 2379 | Ripley is cloned by the Weyland-Yutani Corporation, who want to use her to create more Xenomorphs. | Jean-Pierre Jeunet |
| Alien: Romulus | 2024 | Between Alien and Aliens | A group of young space colonizers encounter the Xenomorph. | Fede Alvarez |
The Alien franchise timeline, while a cornerstone of science fiction, has faced its share of challenges in maintaining a cohesive narrative. The prequels, particularly Prometheus (2012) and Alien: Covenant (2017), while visually stunning and ambitious in scope, have been subject to scrutiny for their retcons and deviations from established lore. The films attempt to explain the origins of the xenomorph and the Engineers, the mysterious beings who created the black goo, but have at times created more questions than answers. The result has been a complex and sometimes contradictory picture of the Alien universe. This has led to debates about the true intentions of the Engineers, the nature of the black goo, and the exact relationship between these elements and the xenomorph itself. The franchise has also had to contend with spin-offs and crossovers, which have muddied the waters further.
The Alien vs. Predator (AvP) films and other media, while entertaining in their own right, are not considered canon within the main Alien timeline. These stories, which pit the xenomorphs against the formidable Predator species, exist in their own separate continuity. This decision clarifies the primary focus of the Alien franchise, and allows for the main narrative to remain relatively self-contained. It allows the core films to explore the themes of human survival, corporate greed, and the existential dread of encountering a perfect killing machine.
The journey begins in Prometheus. Released in 2012, the film takes audiences back to the origins of the xenomorphs, decades before the events of the original Alien film. Prometheus is set in the year 2093, and follows a team of scientists, astronauts, and explorers who are on a mission to find the Engineers, the beings believed to have created humanity. While the film doesn't explicitly feature xenomorphs, it lays the groundwork for their creation, and introduces the black goo, a mysterious substance with the potential to transform life into monstrous forms. The film explores the themes of creation, evolution, and the consequences of tampering with forces beyond human comprehension.
Following Prometheus chronologically is Alien: Covenant, released in 2017, which is set in 2104. The film follows the crew of the colony ship Covenant as they discover a habitable planet and make contact with the last remaining Engineer. The film delves deeper into the origins of the xenomorph, showing how the black goo is used to create these perfect killing machines, and detailing the horrific events that lead to the creation of the first xenomorph eggs. Alien: Covenant builds upon the themes introduced in Prometheus, exploring the relationship between humans and their creators, and the dangers of scientific hubris. It also sets the stage for the events of the original Alien film.
The 1979 original Alien film is the heart of the franchise. Released in 1979, Alien introduced audiences to the terrifying world of the xenomorph and the crew of the Nostromo. The film established many of the core elements of the Alien universe, including the concept of the space trucker, the derelict spaceship filled with eggs, and the horrifying facehugger. Ridley Scotts direction, combined with the creature design of H.R. Giger, created a masterpiece of suspense and horror, and set the standard for science fiction films. Alien is a story of survival against insurmountable odds, with the crew of the Nostromo fighting for their lives against an implacable and deadly enemy.
The sequel, Aliens (1986), directed by James Cameron, took the franchise in a new direction, expanding the scope and scale of the story. Where Alien was a claustrophobic horror film, Aliens was an action-packed war film. Aliens sees Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) return to the planet where the xenomorphs were first discovered, this time accompanied by a team of colonial marines. The film is a thrilling ride, full of action, suspense, and memorable characters. Aliens also delves deeper into the world of the xenomorph, introducing the concept of the alien queen and expanding the lore surrounding the species.
Alien 3, released in 1992 and directed by David Fincher, sees Ripley crash-landing on a prison planet, where she must face a new threat. The third film, released in 1992, saw Ripley crash-land on a prison planet and face a new threat. This film takes a darker and more introspective tone, exploring themes of faith, redemption, and the cost of survival. The film is known for its bleak atmosphere and its tragic ending, which saw the death of Ripley. The story is a departure from the action-oriented style of Aliens, and the film offers a new perspective on the xenomorph saga.
Alien Resurrection (1997), directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, takes place in the distant future, with Ripley cloned by the Weyland-Yutani Corporation, who want to create more xenomorphs. Alien Resurrection is a visually stunning film, with a unique and surreal aesthetic. However, it is a departure from the established tone of the series, and often considered the weakest link in the franchise. The film also explores themes of cloning, genetic engineering, and the nature of identity. Despite the criticism, the film is still a fascinating addition to the Alien universe, and offers a unique perspective on the events that came before.
The latest addition, Alien: Romulus, is set to be released in 2024 and bridges the gap between the events of the Alien and Aliens films. This film will provide an exciting new adventure to the Xenomorph universe. Alien: Romulus serves as a reminder that the horror and wonder of this franchise are still there.
The Alien franchises timeline is a testament to the enduring power of the xenomorph, and a cautionary tale about the dangers of scientific arrogance and corporate greed. The series continues to resonate with audiences today, and has left an indelible mark on science fiction cinema.
