There have been internet rumors revolving around a possible prequel to the 1979 sci-fi horror classic Alien. Entertainment Weekly now reports those rumors are true. The original Alien film had enough of a following to support three sequels, Aliens in 1986, Alien 3 in 1992 and Alien: Resurrection in 1997. With the hope that there's still some interest in the story, Ridley Scott, who directed Alien, is currently developing an origins story for the original film. It's no surprise some fans are thrilled about the prospect of a prequel while others would rather leave well enough alone.

Scott will produce but not direct the prequel. To fill the director's chair he's looking to Carl Rinsch, a first-time filmmaker best known for his futuristic TV commercials. There's no news yet on the direction of the story or possible stars for the picture but I'm sure something will pop out before we know it.

Source: http://hollywoodinsider.ew.com/2009/06/alien-remake-in.html