Anne Hathaway and James Franco are the latest stars to be linked to Ridley Scott’s new Alien movie. Both have expressed an interest in appearing in the science fiction prequel.

Natalie Portman, Noomi Rapace, and Carey Mulligan have all been linked to the 20th Century Fox film in recent weeks.

Lost co-creator Damon Lindelof penned the script for Alien, which is due for release in 2011.

Sigourney Weaver, who is not expected to feature in the new movie, recently said of casting the Alien lead: “I think it’s a trick thing because you want to get a good, young actress in there. But she should be very different from Ripley.”