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Ridley Scott passes the torch: Fede Alvarez takes on ‘Alien: Romulus’
A new chapter in the Alien saga
After helming Prometheus in 2012 and Alien: Covenant in 2017, Ridley Scott has handed over the reins of the iconic franchise to Fede Alvarez, known for his work on Don’t Breathe and Evil Dead. The upcoming installment, Alien: Romulus, marks a significant shift in the series’ direction, with Scott remaining as a lead producer. Despite stepping back from the director’s chair, Scott has been deeply involved in the film’s development, collaborating closely with Alvarez to refine the screenplay.
Crafting the screenplay
Scott recently shared insights into the collaborative process, revealing that Alvarez’s initial draft was extensive, as is often the case with early screenplays. The two worked together to streamline the script, ensuring it met the high standards expected of the franchise.
“The danger of all franchises is they do die unless somebody suddenly decides to pick up the mat and run down the field with a ball,” Scott remarked. “Fede is a surge of energy, and I had to step back and let him do it. Fede had a blueprint firm in his mind, and his script was pretty clear. It was also long, but the screenplay is always long. And so we got into that a little bit.”
A hands-off approach
While Alvarez kept Scott informed at every milestone, Scott was careful not to interfere with the new director’s vision. He emphasized the importance of allowing Alvarez to make his own creative decisions, a courtesy he values when directing his own projects.
“It is hard work with anybody and their mother giving you advice — the last thing you want at a certain point is advice,” Scott said. “I do not need advice. If I fall on my own sword and therefore lie bleeding, I say, ‘It was my fault.'”
Scott expressed confidence in Alvarez’s abilities, hinting at the potential for future projects.
“I hope Fede’s got another one up his sleeve because I think this is going to do really well,” Scott added. “He’s got a streak of brilliance.”
The final cut
Alvarez faced a nerve-wracking moment when presenting his final cut of Alien: Romulus to Scott. Speaking at a recent summit, Alvarez recounted the tension of awaiting Scott’s reaction.
“I wanted him to see it before anybody,” Alvarez said. “And everyone gave me the head’s up that Ridley is really tough. He’s really tough, particularly if it has something to do with his movies. He was really tough on Blade Runner 2049, which I thought was a masterpiece, and he had issues with it because it’s really hard for him because it’s his work.”
Determined to receive feedback in person, Alvarez braced himself for Scott’s verdict.
“Even if he didn’t ask for it, I was gonna go there and sit at a table and look at him and get it,” Alvarez explained. “Even if he was gonna say, ‘You destroyed my legacy,’ I wanted to be in front of him and see him in the eye. I didn’t want to get an email where it says ‘Ridley says…’ And then he walks into the room and he did say, ‘Fede, what can I say? It’s fucking great’ … One of the best compliments he said was, ‘The dialogue is great. Are you the writer?’ Yes!”
Looking ahead
Alien: Romulus is set to hit theaters on August 16. Fans of the franchise can look forward to a fresh take on the beloved series, infused with Alvarez’s unique vision and energy. Meanwhile, Ridley Scott is gearing up for his next directorial venture, the highly anticipated Gladiator 2, scheduled for release on November 22.
For those eager to dive deeper into the world of Alien: Romulus, check out the trailer and stay tuned for more updates as the release date approaches.
Personal reflections for cinema enthusiasts
As a long-time fan of the Alien franchise, the news of Fede Alvarez taking the helm is both exciting and intriguing. Alvarez’s previous works have demonstrated his ability to create intense, atmospheric horror, which aligns perfectly with the essence of the Alien series. His fresh perspective could breathe new life into the franchise, much like James Cameron did with Aliens after Ridley Scott’s original Alien.
The collaboration between Scott and Alvarez also highlights the importance of mentorship and creative freedom in filmmaking. Scott’s decision to step back and allow Alvarez to take the lead, while still offering guidance, is a testament to his confidence in the new director’s vision. This balance of support and autonomy is crucial in fostering innovation and maintaining the integrity of a beloved series.
For those who appreciate the intricate process of filmmaking, the journey of Alien: Romulus from script to screen is a fascinating case study. It underscores the challenges and triumphs of bringing a new chapter to a storied franchise, and the collaborative spirit that drives the industry forward.
As we await the release of Alien: Romulus, it’s worth revisiting the previous films in the series to appreciate the evolution of the franchise and the creative minds behind it. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer to the Alien universe, this latest installment promises to deliver a thrilling and memorable experience.
Additional resources
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