Following a hilarious run as Kenny Powers on HBO’s “Eastbound & Down,” Danny McBride is preparing to move from comedy to sci-fi, as he’s in early discussions to co-star in Ridley Scott‘s big-budget blockbuster “Alien: Covenant,” TheWrap has learned.

Michael Fassbender is reprising his role from “Prometheus,” and he’ll be joined by Katherine Waterston as the series’ new female lead.

The director’s company Scott Free is producing the tentpole for 20th Century Fox, which like McBride’s representatives, declined to comment.

Demian Bichir Joins Ridley Scott’s ‘Alien: Covenant’
FEBRUARY 22, 2016 | 04:49PM PT
Dave McNary
Film Reporter
@Variety_DMcNary

“The Hateful Eight” star Demian Bichir is coming onboard Fox’s “Alien: Covenant,” Ridley Scott’s sequel to “Prometheus.”

He joins Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender, Katherine Waterston and Danny McBride. Bichir received an Oscar nomination for best actor for 2011’s “A Better Life.”

Principal photography for “Alien: Covenant” will be shot in Australia’s New South Wales. The film will hit theaters on Oct. 6, 2017.

Plot details have not been disclosed for “Alien: Covenant.”

“Prometheus” was set about 30 years prior to the events in Scott’s 1979 movie “Alien.” The movie, which generated more than $400 million worldwide, was centered on scientists aboard the spaceship Prometheus discovering remains of an advanced civilization that was developing weapons that could wipe out the human race.

The original “Alien,” starring Sigourney Weaver, was followed by three sequels released in 1986, 1992 and 1997.

Bichir’s recent credits include “Death in Buenos Aires,” “Machete Kills,” “Savages” and “The Heat.” He is repped by CAA.

The news was first reported by Deadline Hollywood.

EXCLUSIVE: Ridley Scott’s Alien: Covenant is in the process of rounding out it main cast ahead of production, which is now being eyed to start next month. Jussie Smollett, Amy Seimetz, Carmen Ejogo and Callie Hernandez have signed on to a cast that already features Micahel Fassbender, Katherine Waterston, Demian Bichir and Danny McBride.

Plot details are mostly under wraps for what is the second of the planned three pics at 20th Century Fox acting as a prequel trilogy to Scott’s Alien movies. Only Fassbender is confirmed to reprise his character from 2012’s Prometheus; it remains unclear whether Noomi Rapace will return we’re told.

Smollett plays Jamal Lyon on Fox’s hit primetime soap Empire which is in the middle of its second season. He’s repped by CAA and Vince Cirrincione and Associates.

Seimetz (Upstream Color) is co-creator of Starz’s upcoming The Girlfriend Experience and wrote and directed half of the episodes in Season 1 in addition to her supporting role. She’s repped by WME and One Entertainment.

Ejogo played Coretta Scott King in last year’s Oscar Best Picture nominated Selma and is up next in Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them. She’s repped by ICM Partners.

Hernandez (Machete Kills) recently wrapped shooting Damien Chazelle’s La La Land at Lionsgate opposite Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone. She is repped by CAA and Management 360.