Directed by Ridley Scott, Covenant was originally conceived as a follow-up to Prometheus (itself retooled into a loosely-connected prequel to the Alien series after going into production as an original sci-fi feature) but was reportedly reworked into a more explicit Alien franchise-entry early in the production.
Historically, the Alien franchise has been one of Fox’s most reliable tentpole series, encompassing the original four films and two Alien vs Predator spin-offs along with Prometheus.
Full details of the film’s plot are unknown, but it is believed to feature the return to the screen of the iconic “traditional” Xenomorph aliens as antagonists and may tie into the backstory of the original Alien.
The film was originally scheduled to be released in early August, traditionally a spot for features with uncertain box office prospects or thought not to be sufficiently assured for a more prominent summer release.