Ridley Scott: I had to rescue Alien franchise

'Alien' director Ridley Scott told Yahoo! Movies that he needed to revive the series after seeing it 'dissevolve' (we think he meant 'go backwards') in subsequent movies and spin-offs.

"I watched three [sequels] get made after the one I did and then I watched..." he said before wincing "... 'Alien vs. Predator'".

Scott continued: "I thought about it for two or three years and thought my baby was lying in a cupboard somewhere and I think there is life in the little bugger yet!"

Watch the full interview here.

The iconic director understood the necessity to make the film due to financial pressures, but could not hide his dismay at the 'Alien vs. Predator' movie.

[Related content: See our 'Prometheus' feature page]

"I know why these guys do this. They have to keep their heads above water and they've got to make money. I'm in business as well and I understand why studios have to do this," he said.

"Occasionally they make good ones and bad ones and I watched it dissevolve in to what it was - which was 'Alien vs. Predator'".

During the interview he also had a sly dig at James Cameron who famously made the action-packed sequel, 'Aliens'.

When speaking of the theme of new movie 'Prometheus' he cryptically said there was question that needed to be answered in the 'Alien' world. With a wry grin he said: "I'm surprised Jim didn't do it" before looking directly into the camera and asked "Jimmmy? You didn't do it?".

Cue nervous laughter from the cast.

'Prometheus' is due out in cinemas in the UK on Friday 1st June.