By ANGELA DAWSON

Front Row Features

Michael Fassbender stars in ALIEN COVENANT. CR: 20th Century Fox.

HOLLYWOOD—20th Century Fox has released the first trailer for “Alien: Covenant.” Ridley Scott, who directed the original 1979 sci-fi thriller “Alien,” returns to the universe he created with a new chapter in the groundbreaking franchise. During a recent press preview, Scott introduced clips (extended scenes from the trailer) from the new action adventure, due in theaters May 19, 2017. In the clips (and the trailer), the crew of the colony ship Covenant discover what they think is an uncharted paradise, but is actually a dark, dangerous world where alien creatures burrow into human bodies and then unceremoniously emerge killing their host and whoever else is nearby.

“My passion for the ‘Alien’ series has never diminished,” the Oscar winning director said in a prerecorded introduction.

The film, written by John Logan (“Gladiator,” “Spectre”), stars Katherine Waterston, Michael Fassbender, Carmen Ejogo, Jussie Smollet, Danny McBride, Demian Bichir and Billy Crudup.

Scott called Waterston, who plays a heroic crewmember aboard the Covenant, “a tremendous talent.” “I’m pleased to show you her in performance,” the British filmmaker said before the clips rolled.

In one of the clips, Waterston’s character appears to be concerned about approaching the unknown planet and alerts her captain (Crudup) of her wariness, to no avail. It doesn’t take long for the deadly creatures to wreck havoc once the Covenant lands. If the preview is any indication, “Alien Covenant” promises to be one thrilling, scary and entertaining ride. The Red Band trailer can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0VW6sg50Pk