'Alien: Covenant' prologue shows the space crew in happier times

Feb. 23 (UPI) -- 20th Century Fox has released a 5-minute video prologue for its space-horror movie Alien: Covenant, starring Katherine Waterston, Michael Fassbender and Billy Crudup.

The clip was released late Wednesday. It introduces the all-couples crew of the colonization ship Covenant as they enjoy a final meal -- along with drinks and a few laughs -- before they are scheduled to enter into cryosleep. The android Walter [played by Fassbender] is also seen rushing to the aid of one of the female crew members, who seems to be choking. Notable as well is the appearance of James Franco's captain character, who is sick and goes to bed before the festivities begin.

The prologue ends with Waterston's character offering a toast: "I couldn't pick a better bunch of jerks to get marooned on a distant planet with. To the Covenant!" while her fellow space travelers smile and raise their glasses, cheering, "To the Covenant!"

Alien: Covenant follows the crew as they discover "what they think is an uncharted paradise, but is actually a dark, dangerous world," a synopsis said. "When they uncover a threat beyond their imagination, they must attempt a harrowing escape."

Also featuring Danny McBride, Demián Bichir, Carmen Ejogo, Amy Seimetz, Jussie Smollett, Callie Hernandez, Nathaniel Dean, Alexander England and Benjamin Rigby, the movie is set for theatrical release on May 19. Ridley Scott helmed the picture.