All eyes are on Ridley Scott to return the Alien franchise to its former glory when Alien: Covenant hits theaters next year. Following up on the events of the polarizing Prometheus, Covenant will bring the series back to its horror roots in glorious fashion, with bloody Xenomorph action every step of the way. The film has established a phenomenal cast, and it now seems that the project has even enlisted the talents of James Franco. Franco said:
The news is out, I guess? Uh, I don't know if he's trying to trick me into talking about it or not. [Laughs] ... I remember, when I was a kid, watching Alien for the first time, and that was huge. I still watch it. I just watched it in the past month over at Tarantino's theater, and it... it's such a good movie!
James Franco recently sat down with HeyUGuys to promote the release of his new film Why Him? and let it slip that he may actually have a role in Ridley Scott's Alien: Covenant. His answer does not specifically state that he actually has part in the upcoming sequel, but the way in which he appears taken off guard definitely seems like a solid indication that we may actually be on to something here. It's also worth noting that Franco's answer includes him admitting a deep-seated love for the franchise AND that he recently watched the movie at Quentin Tarantino's theater.
This possible reveal from James Franco comes only a week after an earlier rumor surfaced suggesting the possibility that he's in the film. According to that rumor, Franco will portray a character named Branson, the captain of the Covenant, as well as the husband of Katherine Waterston's Daniels. These rumors also suggest that Franco doesn't actually have much screen time in the film, but his presence will definitely go a long way towards shaping the overarching plot.
Of course, it's always worth it to hear an answer straight from the horse's mouth. Check out the video below to see what James Franco has to say about his potential casting in Alien: Covenant:
Oddly enough, if James Franco does actually have a role in Alien: Covenant, the part will reunite him with frequent collaborator Danny McBride. The Eastbound and Down star has a role in the film as the ship's pilot, and he's been quite vocal about the fact that Covenant will have almost "no comedy." If that's true, then we can likely expect a very different dynamic between these two traditionally comedic actors.
Whether or not James Franco will actually appear in Alien: Covenant remains to be seen, but he's undeniably a talented performer who could bolster the film's already delightful ensemble. Alien: Covenant is currently slated to chest-burst into theaters on May 17, 2017, and you can catch James Franco when Why Him? debuts in theaters this weekend on December 23. Stay tuned for more details!
