James Franco lets slip Alien: Covenant casting

Actor James Franco has reportedly landed his dream role in Ridley Scott's new Alien prequel.

The 127 Hours star was previously rumored to have signed on for Alien: Covenant, joining Michael Fassbender and Inherent Vice actress Katherine Waterston in the secretive film, but producers have never confirmed the news.

Now James appears to have let slip his involvement himself in an interview with HeyUGuys.com, as he promoted his new comedy Why Him? alongside co-star Bryan Cranston.

In the joint chat, James was asked how he felt about being a part of such an iconic sci-fi franchise, a question which caught the star by surprise.

"The news is out?" he responded. "I don't know if he's trying to trick me into talking about it..."

He then admitted the Alien franchise was one he had admired since he was a child.

"I remember, when I was a kid, watching Alien for the first time, and that was huge," he gushed. "I still watch it. I just watched it in the past month over at (Quentin) Tarantino's theater, and... it's such a good movie!"

Reports suggest James will portray Branson, captain of the titular Covenant space ship, who is married to Katherine's character Daniels.

It's claimed the part is only a small one, although Branson will pop up throughout the film.

Director Scott has yet to comment on the casting claims. The film, which serves as both a prequel to his 1979 classic Alien, and as a sequel to 2012 movie Prometheus, is due to hit theaters in May (17).