Sir Ridley Scott is to direct a prequel to seminal sci-fi horror film Alien, according to reports.

Trade newspaper Variety said the 71-year-old would return to the franchise he began in 1979 with actors Sigourney Weaver and John Hurt.

Sir Ridley, who is currently directing Robin Hood, has not made a sci-fi movie since Blade Runner in 1982.

He was not involved in the three Alien sequels or the two Alien vs Predator spin-offs.

It is thought the prequel will tell the story of the events leading up to the original film, in which the crew of a commercial towing ship respond to a distress signal - only to discover it was generated by an empty ship that was meant to warn them.

Source: Press Release