The six films in the main “Alien” franchise share a timeline, with the first four centered on Sigourney Weaver’s Ellen Ripley and the two prequels setting the stage for her story.
“Alien: Romulus” director Fede Álvarez focuses on a different angle, inspired by a deleted scene from James Cameron’s “Aliens.” The scene depicted young colonists growing up on the doomed Weyland-Yutani base. Álvarez’s film explores how these colonists might confront the xenomorph threat, hitting theaters on August 16th.
“Initially, I sought to explore a distinct perspective by featuring non-professional or scientific characters who were not even adults,” Álvarez explained. “By placing individuals closer to the audience’s understanding at the story’s forefront, I intended to convey the unfamiliarity with space that the audience experiences. When characters possess expertise, they often outpace the audience’s knowledge. However, when they are in their early 20s, they face challenges such as operating an airlock, reflecting the audience’s own sense of inexperience.”
Their parents’ shared work history likely forged their childhood friendships, and the lack of family has fostered a sibling-like bond among them, sometimes extending to shared living arrangements. The film explores themes of siblinghood, examining its complexities and connections to the larger plot involving Romulus and Weyland-Yutani.
Humans initially mistrusted synthetic characters, as seen in Prometheus, Alien: Covenant, and the original Alien. However, Bishop in Aliens played a heroic role, fostering trust in synthetics. Star Cailee Spaeny has revealed that attitudes towards synthetics have evolved in Romulus, with one human treating a synthetic as a sibling.
Spaeny explained to the outlet, “Rain’s brother is a synthetic. She loves him like her brother, but there are difficulties growing up with a synthetic. The film explores those challenges and the relationship dynamic. It was fascinating to explore having a synthetic as a family member and the questions it raises. David Jonsson, who plays the character, gave a brilliant performance.”
In the sci-fi/horror-thriller, space colonizers delve into the depths of a desolate space station, where they encounter the universe’s most terrifying creature. This chilling experience harks back to the origins of the renowned “Alien” franchise.
Cailee Spaeny (<em>Priscilla</em>), David Jonsson (<em>Agatha Christie’s Murder is Easy</em>), Archie Renaux (<em>Shadow and Bone</em>), Isabela Merced (<em>The Last of Us</em>), Spike Fearn (<em>Aftersun</em>), and Aileen Wu star in the film, directed by Fede Álvarez (<em>Evil Dead</em>, <em>Don’t Breathe</em>), who wrote the screenplay with collaborator Rodo Sayagues (<em>Don’t Breathe 2</em>), based on characters created by Dan O’Bannon and Ronald Shusett.
**Alien: Romulus Production Team:**
* **Producers:**
* Ridley Scott (Napoleon, Alien, Prometheus, Alien: Covenant)
* Michael Pruss (Boston Strangler)
* Walter Hill (Alien)
* **Executive Producers:**
* Fede Álvarez
* Elizabeth Cantillon (Charlie’s Angels)
* Brent O’Connor (Bullet Train)
* Tom Moran (Unstoppable)
Prepare for the extraterrestrial encounter on August 16th, when “Alien: Romulus” arrives in theaters.
Contact Patrick Cavanaugh directly on Twitter or Instagram to discuss Star Wars and horror in anticipation of the upcoming movie.