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Alien: Romulus – A fresh take on a classic franchise
A new vision for a timeless series
In the world of cinema, few franchises have left as indelible a mark as the Alien series. With the upcoming release of Alien: Romulus, director Fede Álvarez aims to both honor the legacy of the original films and introduce a modern twist that resonates with contemporary audiences. Álvarez’s approach is a delicate balance of preserving the essence of the classics while infusing new elements to keep the narrative fresh and engaging.
“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 explained. This blend of old and new is what he hopes will secure Alien: Romulus a place among the beloved entries of the franchise. For fans, there’s never a bad time to watch an Alien movie, and Álvarez’s enthusiasm for the project is palpable.
A youthful cast brings new energy
One of the most significant changes Álvarez has made is the decision to cast much younger actors than in previous films. This choice was driven by a desire to create a more relatable and immersive experience for the audience. “For me, it was a way to imagine what it would be like for a bunch of young people to grow up in one of these sci-fi colonies at the end of the world and have to face this creature. They’re closer to the audience in a way. They don’t know anything about the world they’re getting into,” Álvarez noted.
The youthful cast also adds a layer of intensity to the horror elements of the film. “As a rule of thumb, in horror, the younger the people, the tougher it is to watch them die. Let’s agree on that. An 80-year-old man dies on screen; you lived a good life. If a 12-year-old kid dies in a movie, heartbreak,” Álvarez remarked. This emotional investment is crucial in creating a truly terrifying experience for viewers.
Ridley Scott’s seal of approval
Álvarez was overjoyed when Ridley Scott, the visionary behind the original Alien film, praised Alien: Romulus as “fucking great.” This endorsement from Scott is a testament to Álvarez’s ability to stay true to the franchise’s roots while making his unique mark. ”I couldn’t be more grateful that he let us do it,” Álvarez said, reflecting on the significance of Scott’s approval.
Celebrating strong female characters
At the 2024 San Diego Comic-Con, Álvarez, along with cast members Cailee Spaeny and Isabela Merced, discussed how Alien: Romulus continues the franchise’s tradition of featuring strong female protagonists. From Sigourney Weaver’s iconic portrayal of Ripley to the new characters in Romulus, the series has always placed women at the forefront of its action and horror narratives.
Spaeny expressed her gratitude for the path Weaver paved for women in the genre. “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,” Spaeny said. This legacy allowed Spaeny to step into her role with confidence, despite the inherent pressures.
Merced highlighted the intelligent writing of her co-star Aileen Wu’s character, Navarro, which allowed for more authentic and respectful representations of female protagonists. “[Navarro] makes really smart decisions in the movie. It’s more believable because Kaylee herself is a very intelligent individual,” Merced explained. This focus on intelligence and resourcefulness is a hallmark of the Alien series and is central to the new film’s narrative.
A deeper dive into the franchise
For those eager to learn more about the latest installment, the full interview with the cast offers fascinating insights. Discover which Alien movie is the cast’s favorite, hear Merced discuss the intricacies of her Hawkgirl costume for the upcoming Superman: Legacy movie, and listen to Spaeny recount her first day on the set of Rian Johnson’s Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery.
To get a sneak peek at Alien: Romulus, check out the trailer and immerse yourself in the latest chapter of this iconic franchise.
