February 27, 2016 - 15:41 AMT
Billy Crudup joins “Alien: Covenant,” “Jackie” biopic

Billy Crudup, who was part of the killer ensemble cast of Best Picture Oscar nominee Spotlight, has lined up two more big pics. He is in advanced negotiations for a key part in Alien: Covenant, the sequel to Ridley Scott’s Prometheus that is set to begin production next month in Australia. He also joined the cast of Jackie, the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis biopic starring Natalie Portman and produced by Darren Aronofsky, AceShowbiz reports.

Plot details are still under wraps for Alien: Covenant, envisioned as the second in a prequel trilogy for 20th Century Fox that sets up the world first seen in 1979’s Alien but said to take place 10 years after the events of 2012’s Prometheus. Michael Fassbender is confirmed to reprise his role from that pic, with Katherine Waterston, Demian Bichir, Danny McBride, Jussie Smollett, Amy Seimetz, Carmen Ejogo and Callie Hernandez also aboard.

Directed by Pablo Larrain, Jackie traces the former First Lady’s life after the assassination of President Kennedy. It’s set for release in 2017. Crudup’s role in this is also under wraps for now.

In addition to Spotlight, which earned Crudup and the cast the SAG ensemble award, he recently completed filming on director Mike Mills’ 20th Century Women opposite Annette Bening, and will be seen in Youth In Oregon alongside Frank Langella.