Director Fede Alvarez, known for his work on “Evil Dead” and “Don’t Breathe,” is taking the helm of the next installment in the Alien franchise, marking the first Alien movie to be released under the Disney banner.

Disney has announced that Alvarez’s untitled Alien project is scheduled for release on August 16, 2024. While the film does not yet have an official title, it is expected to deliver a gritty and contained horror experience.

Alvarez is directing this brand new addition to the Alien universe for Ridley Scott and 20th Century Studios. Leading the cast is Cailee Spaeny, recognized for her roles in “The Craft: Legacy” and “Pacific Rim Uprising.” Isabela Merced, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Spike Fearn, and Aileen Wu also feature in the film.

Described as an “original standalone feature,” the plot details of the project have been tightly guarded. However, unlike previous films that focused on adult characters in corporate, militaristic, and scientific roles, this ninth installment will revolve around a group of young people. Set in a distant world, they find themselves in a chilling confrontation with the most terrifying life form in the universe.

Alvarez co-wrote the script with Rodo Sayagues, his collaborator from “Evil Dead.” Ridley Scott, the visionary director behind the original 1979 classic and subsequent prequels “Prometheus” and “Alien: Covenant,” will produce the movie under his Scott Free production banner.

The Alien film franchise has spanned eight movies thus far, with notable filmmakers such as James Cameron, David Fincher, and Jean-Pierre Jeunet adding their unique interpretations of the Xenomorph monsters originally created by Ridley Scott and Dan O’Bannon in the 1970s.