It's confirmed: Ridley Scott will return to the "Alien" franchise as a director in a new film that will serve as a prequel to his 1979 film. Variety reports that Jon Spaihts has been tapped to pen the screenplay. 20th Century Fox will release the eventual film.

Attempts to make another "Alien" film since 1997's "Alien Resurrection" have happened but nothing materialized outside of the two "Alien vs. Predator" films.

No word on casting or possible storylines yet.