Aaron Guzikowski hired to write new Alien film for 20th Century Studios

Aaron Guzikowski, the creator of the HBO Max sci‑fi series Raised by Wolves, has been hired to write a new Alien film for 20th Century Studios, with Scott Free producing, Deadline reported on Tuesday. The announcement comes as Disney, which now owns the studio, prepares to expand the franchise after the upcoming Alien: Romulus set for a 2024 release. No details about the story or its place in the series have been released yet.

The move is significant because Guzikowski has proven his ability to blend horror and science fiction, a skill Disney hopes will refresh a franchise that has not seen a theatrical entry since Alien: Covenant in 2017. The studio has been looking for fresh voices to revive the series, which has struggled to find a clear direction after the mixed reception of the recent prequels. By pairing a writer known for ambitious world‑building with Scott Free, Ridley Scott’s own production company, the studio signals a desire to return to the franchise’s roots while reaching new audiences.

Scott Free’s involvement ties the project back to the original creator of the Alien mythos, Ridley Scott, who has served as executive producer on several recent entries. The new script will be developed alongside the studio’s broader plan to keep the franchise alive through sequels, spin‑offs and possibly a television series. Industry insiders say the script is expected within the next few months, after which a director will be attached and a production schedule set. The timing suggests Disney is aiming for a release window in the late 2020s, giving the studio room to market the film alongside other sci‑fi properties.

If Guzikowski’s draft meets the studio’s expectations, the next steps will include green‑lighting the project, casting and securing a director with a strong vision for the alien horror tone. The film could become the next major chapter in a franchise that has long defined the sci‑fi horror genre. Its success will likely determine whether Disney continues to invest heavily in new Alien stories or shifts focus to other properties.