Does "28 Years Later" Have a Prelude? Exploring the World of "Alien" Sequels

Hey there, fellow movie buffs! Today, we're diving into the fascinating world of the "Alien" franchise to tackle a question that's been buzzing around the internet: does "Alien: Covenant" serve as a prequel to "Alien: 28 Years Later"? Buckle up as we explore the timeline, connections, and Easter eggs that tie these films together. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and does 28 years later have a prequel.

The "Alien" Timeline: A Brief Overview

1. 1986. "Alien 3" hit theaters in 1992, and the fourth installment, "Alien: Resurrection," was released in
2. 1997. Then, after a 14-year hiatus, Ridley Scott returned to the franchise with "Prometheus" in 2012, which was followed by "Alien: Covenant" in 2017.

"Alien: Covenant" - A Direct Prequel to "Alien"?

Now, let's get to the heart of the matter. Is "Alien: Covenant" a direct prequel to "Alien: 28 Years Later"? The short answer is yes, but it's not as simple as that. "Alien: Covenant" is more accurately described as a midquel, fitting into the timeline between "Prometheus" and the original "Alien" film.

The Connection Between "Prometheus" and "Alien: Covenant"

"Prometheus" was initially marketed as a prequel to the "Alien" series, focusing on the engineers, the ancient alien race that created humanity's own DNA. While "Prometheus" did not directly feature the Xenomorph, the film's events set the stage for the creation of the deadly creature.

"Alien: Covenant" picks up roughly a decade after the events of "Prometheus." The film follows the crew of the colony ship Covenant, who unwittingly encounter the deadly Xenomorph while investigating a mysterious signal. The connection between "Prometheus" and "Alien: Covenant" is clear, with the latter film directly building upon the former's events and introducing the iconic Xenomorph to the franchise's timeline.

The "Alien: Covenant" - "Alien" Connection

Now, let's talk about the connection between "Alien: Covenant" and the original "Alien" film. While "Alien: Covenant" doesn't directly lead into the events of "Alien," there are several Easter eggs and callbacks that tie the two films together.

1. 1. The Derelict Spacecraft: In "Alien: Covenant," the crew discovers an ancient spacecraft that closely resembles the one found by the Nostromo's crew in the original "Alien" film. This spacecraft is confirmed to be of engineer origin, further connecting the two films.
2. 2. The Facehugger: The Facehugger, the terrifying creature that impregnates its victims with Xenomorph eggs, makes its first appearance in "Alien: Covenant." This creature goes on to become a staple of the "Alien" franchise, terrorizing the crew of the Nostromo in the original film.
3. 3. The Xenomorph: The Xenomorph itself, the iconic monster that has become synonymous with the "Alien" franchise, makes its official debut in "Alien: Covenant." While the creature's design has evolved over the course of the series, the basic structure and biology established in "Alien: Covenant" lay the groundwork for the Xenomorphs that appear in later films.

Does "Alien: Covenant" Lead Directly into "Alien: 28 Years Later"?

While "Alien: Covenant" does not directly lead into "Alien: 28 Years Later," the films are connected through the overarching narrative of the "Alien" franchise. The events of "Alien: Covenant" set the stage for the creation and evolution of the Xenomorph, which goes on to wreak havoc on the crew of the Nostromo in the original "Alien" film.

The timeline between "Alien: Covenant" and "Alien: 28 Years Later" is filled with various events and stories that have yet to be explored on screen. However, the connection between the films is undeniable, with the "Alien" franchise serving as a rich tapestry of interconnected stories that span centuries and galaxies.

The Future of the "Alien" Franchise

With the recent release of "Alien: Awakening," a short film directed by Noah Hawley, the "Alien" franchise shows no signs of slowing down. While the future of the series remains uncertain, one thing is clear: the "Alien" universe is vast and full of untold stories, waiting to be discovered by fans and filmmakers alike.

So, there you have it, folks! While "Alien: Covenant" may not be a direct prequel to "Alien: 28 Years Later," the film's connection to the broader "Alien" franchise is undeniable. As we continue to explore the rich and terrifying world of the Xenomorph, one thing is certain: the "Alien" series will continue to captivate and horrify audiences for generations to come.

Until next time, stay curious, and keep your eyes peeled for those pesky Facehuggers!