Alien is canon in another sci-fi franchise and you never noticed

Ridley Scott has confirmed that Alien is intricately connected with another phenomenal science fiction franchise, making it even more impactful than Predator.

There is still ongoing discussion among fans about the canonicity of Alien vs Predator. While Prey depicted the Yautja’s initial hunt on Earth, AVP from 2004 reveals their existence for thousands of years and their involvement in the construction of the pyramids.

In addition, Alien: Earth will certainly delve into the origins of a Xenomorph on our world. However, in AVP, a large group of these creatures are already present in Antarctica, and later on, they wreak havoc in a small town in Colorado in AVP: Requiem.

Although there are many contradictions and complexities, it’s not worth causing yourself unnecessary stress. Fortunately, here’s a much more straightforward and exciting concept that won’t overwhelm you: Alien and Blade Runner take place in the same fictional world.

David from Prometheus and Roy Batty in Blade Runner — 20th Century Studios/Warner Bros.

David and Roy Batty are similar characters in many ways

Both franchises share similar themes and storylines, as they both center on corrupt companies that focus on AI technology and establishing colonies on other planets. Additionally, their cities are characterized by a gritty and oppressive atmosphere, and they both explore the concept of creation and the desire to challenge or even annihilate one’s creators.

David and Roy Batty, an android and replicant respectively, share similarities in their obsession with meeting their creators (and their creator’s creator). Both rebel in search of answers, although David’s methods are considerably more ruthless.

However, I am aware that you are primarily interested in the specific connections and references, therefore, let us delve into them.

In the bonus content of the 1999 release of Alien on DVD to celebrate its 20th anniversary, Tom Skerritt’s biography as Dallas mentions his employment at the Tyrell Corporation prior to his employment at Weyland-Yutani.

Dallas' biography on the Alien DVD with the Tyrell Corporation underlined — 20th Century Studios

On one of the director’s commentaries for Blade Runner, Scott also mentioned, “This world could easily be the same city that supports the crew in Alien.”

“Essentially, upon the crew of Alien’s return, they may enter this location and visit a nearby bar on the same street as Deckard’s residence. That was my initial thought.”

Weyland's diary entry on the Prometheus Blu-ray — 20th Century Studios

If you purchased the 2012 steelbook Blu-ray version of Prometheus, you likely received a booklet containing a diary entry from Guy Pearce’s character, Peter Weyland. In the entry, Weyland reflects on his relationship with his mentor and how it influenced his creation of a more advanced android, which is heavily hinted at being Blade Runner’s Dr. Eldon Tyrell.

Although it’s a fun connection between Scott’s two universes, don’t expect a crossover. It’s simply a playful link between the two universes and nothing more.