Cameron said that the first movie had "inspired an entire generation of filmmakers and science-fiction fans," adding, "there have been so many films that stylistically have derived from it, including my own Aliens, which was the legitimate sequel and, I think, the proper heir to his film. I sort of did it as a fanboy. I wanted to honor his film, but also say what I needed to say."

He was careful to clarify his stance on Ridley Scott as a filmmaker, however. "Let me just add to that — and don't cut this part off, please — I will stand in line for any Ridley Scott movie, even a not-so-great one, because he is such an artist, he's such a filmmaker," he said. "I always learn from him. And what he does with going back to his own franchise would be fascinating."

Well, it's not often that 2012's Prometheus gets called "fascinating," if nothing else.

Alien: Covenant opens May 19.