The Xenomorphs may soon be back on the big screen amid new reports of the next Alien movie moving forward with a lead star in place. Per Deadline, another feature film is in the planning stages for the Alien franchise from 20th Century and Scott Free. As previously reported, Fede Alvarez (Evil Dead reboot, Don’t Breathe) is on board to direct the film, while the new report reveals that Cailee Spaeny (The Craft: Legacy) is in talks for the starring role.

Nothing else has been revealed about the plot of the planned Alien film, so it’s not yet clear if it will have a direct connection with any of the previous movies. What seems most likely is that the film will involve Xenomorphs in a conflict against humans, as that has always been at the heart of the franchise. Word is Alvarez sold 20th Century and Scott Free on an original pitch, resulting in new plans to fast-track the project for a production that starts early next year

Spaeny previously had a notable role in the film Pacific Rim Uprising, and she has gone on to appear in other films like On the Basis of Sex, The Craft: Legacy, and How It Ends. She’s also appeared in recent TV shows like Mare of Easttown and The First Lady. Currently, Spaeny is working on a Priscilla Presley biopic that will feature her in the main role as the titular bride of late singer Elvis Presley, played by Jacob Elordi (Euphoria).

The Alien Franchise Will Return

     20th Century Fox

The Alien franchise kicked off in 1979 with the original film by director Ridley Scott. The original trilogy also consisted of James Cameron’s Aliens in 1986 and David Fincher’s Alien 3 in 1992. Jean-Pierre Jeunet would later helm 1997’s Alien Resurrection. What linked all four films together was the presence of franchise star Sigourney Weaver, who plays one of the action genre’s most beloved characters in Ellen Ripley.

In 2012, Scott returned to the director’s chair to helm the film Prometheus, a movie that served as a prequel to the original movie series. He’d also direct the sequel, 2017’s Alien: Covenant. Ever since, plans to continue the movie series have stalled, though there have been reports of a TV series adaptation happening with Noah Hawley. Some fans have still been campaigning for there to be an Alien 5 that would bring back Weaver as Ripley, something the actress herself has endorsed, but said it’s basically up to Ridley Scott.

A release date hasn’t yet been set for this new Alien film with Fede Alvarez.