Lost writer/producer Damon Lindelof has reportedly signed on to rewrite the script for 20th Century Fox’s Alien prequel, according to Deadline.

After meeting with Lindelof, Fox are interested in the writer’s version of the movie, which could become a freestanding science fiction film. The studio hopes that Ridley Scott will return to the franchise to direct the prequel, which is planned to reinvigorate the Alien universe.

Lindelof is currently writing the Star Trek sequel with Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci, which is due to start production in January 2011. The trio have also penned the screenplay for Cowboys and Aliens directed by Jon Favreau.

The previous drafts from writer Jon Spaihts convinced Scott to move from producing the film to directing it.