As the anticipation builds for “Alien: Romulus,” director Fede Álvarez has made it clear that his vision for the film is to honor the legacy of the franchise while also modernizing it for today’s audiences. He expressed his desire to create a film that stands on its own, saying, “We kept a lot of the perfect elements about those original movies untouched because we didn’t need to improve them, but then we had a lot of new stuff. That’s what makes it modern and new.”
Álvarez’s approach to the film includes a fresh, younger cast, which he believes brings a new dynamic to the story. He explained that casting younger actors allows the audience to connect more closely with the characters. “For me, it was a way in to imagine what it would be to a bunch of young people, to grow in one of these colonies in sci-fi and at the end of the world and having to face this creature,” he said. This choice not only modernizes the narrative but also heightens the emotional stakes, as younger characters facing peril can evoke a stronger reaction from viewers.
The director also acknowledged the inherent tension in horror films when younger characters are involved. “As a rule of thumb, in horror, the younger the people, the tougher it is to watch them die,” he noted. This understanding of audience psychology is crucial in crafting a film that aims to terrify.
Álvarez shared his excitement about receiving positive feedback from Ridley Scott, the original creator of the “Alien” franchise. Scott’s enthusiastic response, calling the film “fucking great,” was a significant validation for Álvarez and the team. “I couldn’t be more grateful that he let us do it,” he said, emphasizing the importance of Scott’s legacy in shaping the film.
At the 2024 San Diego Comic-Con, Álvarez, along with cast members Cailee Spaeny and Isabela Merced, participated in a discussion about how they aimed to honor the series’ legacy while also bringing new elements to the forefront. Spaeny and Merced reflected on the significance of being part of a franchise that has consistently placed strong female characters at its center, starting with Sigourney Weaver’s iconic role as Ripley.
Spaeny expressed her gratitude for the groundwork laid by Weaver, stating, “I think what Sigourney did was she really properly paved the way and made a conscious decision to—whatever it meant to be a woman in a horror film or a sci-fi film beforehand—I think she intentionally went the other direction.” This acknowledgment of Weaver’s influence highlights the importance of representation in the genre.
Merced also spoke about her character, Aileen Wu’s Navarro, and how the writing reflects a more intelligent and capable female protagonist. “Navarro makes really smart decisions in the movie. It’s more believable because Kaylee herself is a very intelligent individual,” she explained. This focus on intelligence and resourcefulness in female characters is a refreshing take that aligns with contemporary storytelling.
The film’s narrative is set between the events of “Alien” and “Aliens,” allowing it to draw on the rich history of the franchise while introducing new elements. The design of the Xenomorphs and the gear used by the characters pays homage to earlier films, ensuring that long-time fans will appreciate the callbacks to the original series.
Recent footage from CinemaCon has confirmed that “Alien: Romulus” will return to the franchise’s horrifying roots, showcasing terrifying new abilities of the facehuggers. For the first time, these creatures are shown moving through water, adding a new layer of fear to their already menacing presence. This innovation not only modernizes the franchise but also expands the mythology surrounding the Xenomorphs.
The film also revisits concepts that were previously teased but never fully realized, such as the royal facehugger first introduced in the special edition of “Alien 3.” This attention to detail and continuity within the franchise demonstrates Álvarez’s commitment to honoring the series while also pushing it forward.
As the cast and crew continue to promote “Alien: Romulus,” their enthusiasm for the project is palpable. They are not only excited to be part of a beloved franchise but are also dedicated to ensuring that it resonates with both new and returning audiences. The blend of nostalgia and innovation is a delicate balance, but one that Álvarez and his team seem well-equipped to handle.
In conclusion, “Alien: Romulus” promises to be a thrilling addition to the franchise, honoring its legacy while also modernizing its themes and characters. With a youthful cast, innovative storytelling, and a commitment to the horror elements that made the original films iconic, this new installment is poised to captivate audiences when it hits theaters.
Source: Variety, CinemaCon
