Overview of the Alien franchise timeline
The Alien franchise launched in 1979 with the film Alien and has since expanded into multiple films and television series. If you are asking when the Alien series is coming out, the short answer is that there is no single release schedule covering past, present, and future content. Instead, the franchise includes historic theatrical releases, legacy sequels, recent Disney+ series, and upcoming projects in various stages of development. Below we clarify what has already arrived, what is planned, and how to follow official announcements.
- The original 1979 Alien film and its sequels
- The Alien vs Predator crossover films
- Prometheus and Alien: Covenant prequels
- Alien: Romulus (2024) and future projects
- Television series such as Alien: Earth (2025)
Past theatrical releases that define the series
Understanding the Alien series release timeline starts with the core filmography. The original Alien (1979) established the horror and sci-fi tone, followed by Aliens (1986), Alien³ (1992), and Alien: Resurrection (1997). Later entries like Prometheus (2012) and Alien: Covenant (2017) explored prequel mythology. Most recently, Alien: Romulus (2024) returned to the lineage with a new standalone story. These films span different tones and continuities, so context matters when discussing future releases.
Key theatrical releases at a glance
| Title | Release Year | Continuity Role |
|---|---|---|
| Alien | 1979 | Original standalone horror |
| Aliens | 1986 | Action-focused sequel |
| Alien³ | 1992 | Branching continuation after Aliens |
| Alien: Resurrection | 1997 | Later sequel with cloned Ripley |
| Prometheus | 1012 | Engineer mythology prequel |
| Alien: Covenant | 2017 | Direct follow-up to Prometheus |
| Alien: Romulus | 2024 | New timeline branch standalone |
Recent and current Alien television series
Television has become an important part of the Alien franchise, with streaming platforms hosting series that explore new stories and timelines. Alien: Romulus focused on cinema, while the Disney+ series Alien: Earth (2025) offers a serialized narrative set in the established universe. If you are asking when the Alien series is coming out in TV form, Alien: Earth represents a current or near-future release, and additional series are in development or early production. These projects expand the lore beyond films by focusing on corporate intrigue, colonial adventures, and xenobiology.
Upcoming films and announced projects
Several future Alien projects have been announced, though specific public release dates may shift as development progresses. Ridley Scott has indicated further prequel and sequel possibilities tied to the Engineer mythology. There have also been talks of new cinematic entries and potential crossover concepts under the broader 20th Century Studios and Disney portfolio. Because announced timelines can change, treat any exact public release year for upcoming Alien films as indicative rather than finalized until an official statement confirms a firm schedule.
How to track official announcements
The most reliable way to know when the Alien series is coming out for film or television is to follow 20th Century Studios and Disney+ press channels. Production updates, first-look images, and release windows are typically shared via official social accounts, press releases, and streaming platform hubs. Trade outlets also report on development status, but announcements from the rights holders and showrunners remain the authoritative source for scheduling. Setting notifications for studio news and platform updates helps you stay current without relying on rumor.
Summary of release expectations
The Alien series spans decades of cinema and is actively expanding into television, so the phrase when is the Alien series coming out depends on which entry you mean. Historic films are already available, with Alien: Romulus (2024) being the latest. Alien: Earth (2025) is an imminent TV release on Disney+, and additional series and films are in development. Because timelines can shift, treat specific future dates as tentative until confirmed by official sources. By checking studio and platform announcements, you can follow the franchise reliably as new entries arrive.