Fans of the sci-fi thriller "Alien" are excited to see the upcoming sequel to the original Scott Ridley creation but it seems that it will probably take them a long time before they see it on screen. Word is out that "Alien 5" might be delayed as it waits for the release of "Prometheus 2."

As is the trend now, many movies have jumped into the idea of a shared cinematic universe and "Alien 5" is no exception. The upcoming sequel to the 1979 original shares its world with "Prometheus 2," as seen in the first film, which acted as a prequel.

While their stories are not necessarily interconnected, it seems that "Prometheus 2" is keeping "Alien 5" from starting production early.

According to Bloody Disgusting, one source close to the matter revealed that Twentieth Century Fox is "being forced to hold off" the movie until Scott is done with the sequel to his 2012 film.

"'Alien 5' is still very much in the works, as Fox remains hot on the idea," said the source. "Blomkamp continues to work on the script (only an outline existed previously) and refine the tale he is telling."

He added, "Ridley Scott is still producing, but has insisted on 'Prometheus 2' being made first."

If the reports are true, then fans can probably expect a 2018 release date for "Alien 5."

Ridley can start shooting in early 2016 so that "Prometheus 2" gets a 2017 release date. After that, Neill Blomkamp can begin production with "Alien 5," and its release date could be set a year after "Prometheus 2" hits theaters, noted Slash Film.

Twentieth Century Fox has yet to issue a comment on the rumors.

The delay might be a disappointment to fans but it will definitely benefit the production of "Alien 5" as filmmaker Blomkamp, who is also penning the script, will have more time to refine the story.

Also, Sigourney Weaver is expected to start shooting for James Cameron's "Avatar 2" soon and a 2017 production start will ensure that she is available for the movie.

Meanwhile, while Michael Biehn already said that the sequel to "Alien" will ignore the stories of the third and fourth film, the source said that there might be changes as it's "basically far too early to tell on that front right now" given that Blomkamp will have a long time to finish his script.

No exact release dates for the two films have been announced yet.