Continuity fans can breathe a sigh of relief today as Chappie helmer Neill Blomkamp today clarifies to French film site AlloCine that his plans for the next Alien film do not mean that he’ll be dismissing the events of the second half of the sci-fi horror franchise.

“I’m not trying to undo ‘Alien 3’ or ‘Alien Resurrection,'” he tells the outlet. “…My favorites are the first two movies. I want to make a film that’s connected to ‘Alien’ and ‘Aliens.’ That’s my goal.”

Blomkamp’s comments come on the heels of a report yesterday that led many to speculate that the new film would rewrite the events of the latter sequels. We’re still not entirely sure how Blomkamp’s planned take fits into the chronology as his concept art (check it out in the gallery viewer below) seems to suggest that the film will feature Michael Biehn’s Aliens character of Corporal Dwayne Hicks. Could the new film take place between Aliens and Alien 3, or does the District 9 director (and Alien franchise superfan) have some other tricks up his sleeve? Only time will tell, but check back for updates as they become available.

Blomkamp’s next, Chappie, stars Sigourney Weaver opposite Hugh Jackman and Sharlto Copley and arrives in theaters March 6. You can check out ComingSoon.net’s recent conversation with Blomkamp right here and check out AlloCine‘s new video interviews featuring Blomkamp and Weaver in the player below: