Filmmaker Ridley Scott says he was the fifth choice to direct the iconic sci-fi horror film Alien.

The 83-year-old director gained fame after directing the 1979 movie, but revealed that he was only able to helm it due to others dropping out. "I wasn't first choice, I was fifth choice to direct Alien," he said.

He also shared how the late Robert Altman had been asked to direct the movie.

Scott said, "But if you're stupid enough to ask Altman to direct a science fiction... He just said, 'What? You're kidding me? Give me a break. Are you out of your mind?'"

The film, which starred Sigourney Weaver, spawned the sequels Aliens (1986), Alien 3 (1992), and Alien Resurrection (1997). A crossover with Predator was seen in the Alien vs. Predator films. A prequel series directed by Scott comprises Prometheus (2012) and Alien: Covenant (2017).