Summary
- Fede Alvarez and James Cameron discussed intricate script details, emphasizing spaceship engine sizes and meticulous attention to detail for
Alien: Romulus
. - Alvarez’s commitment to authenticity includes practical effects like animatronics for tactile horror in Alien saga.
- Alien: Romulus
honors legacy while introducing new characters facing terrifying Xenomorphs in a fresh time period.
Alien: Romulus director Fede Álvarez recently shared the rigorous preparation that went into making the film. The newest entry in the Alien franchise will bridge the gap between Ridley Scott’s foundational 1979 horror and the action-packed follow-up directed by James Cameron.
Speaking with Total Film, Álvarez recounted an in-depth discussion with James Cameron, focusing on the intricacies of the script, including technical specifics such as the sizes of the spaceship engines, which show the meticulous attention to detail that the film strives for. Álvarez humorously shared a moment from his consultation with Cameron. The veteran director’s graciousness in thanking the newer director for the opportunity to brainstorm was a memorable milestone for Álvarez.
At the end of the phone call, he [Cameron] thanked us for letting him brainstorm with us, which I found hilarious. I was like, ‘You don’t have to thank us; it’s the best day ever for us!’
Álvarez’s commitment to authenticity extends beyond narrative fidelity. He has adopted practical effects akin to those used by his predecessors, employing animatronic creatures to maintain the tactile horror that the series is known for. This choice is a nod to the traditional filmmaking techniques that have contributed to the enduring appeal of the Alien saga.
The film’s plot centers on a group of young space cadets who find themselves aboard a seemingly abandoned space station. Their mission turns into a struggle for survival against one of the most fearsome creatures in the universe. The cast includes up-and-coming stars such as David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, and Cailee Spaeny, who plays Rain—a pivotal character in the harrowing narrative.
Alien: Romulus
- Release Date
- August 16, 2024
- Studio
- 20th Century Studios, Hulu, Scott Free Productions
- Studio(s)
- Scott Free Productions , 20th Century
- Distributor(s)
- 20th Century
Ridley Scott’s role as a producer was crucial in bringing Álvarez on board, and his guidance is evident in the film’s dedication to atmospheric tension and suspense. Álvarez describes the film’s progression as a fluid shift from the suspenseful pacing of Alien to the intense action characteristic of Aliens. This transition, he suggests, happens so smoothly that audiences might not even notice until they are fully immersed in the high-stakes drama. Álvarez said:
The environments, and the pace of it as well – it’s more similar to Alien for quite a bit,” he adds. “And then gradually – you won’t even know – you feel like it’s more Aliens. It’s a natural progression, and it happens effortlessly.
Alien: Romulus Honors Its Roots While Charting New Frontiers
Alien: Romulus promises to honor the legacy of its predecessors while forging its own identity within the storied franchise. Álvarez’s mix of reverence for the original films with his own unique vision might just be the key to this film resonating with both longtime fans and newcomers to the saga.
Why One Original Alien Star Refuses to Watch Any Sequels to 1979 Ridley Scott Classic
Alien: Romulus will not be seen by one star of Ridley Scott’s 1979 sci-fi horror classic who refuses to watch any sequels as they “cannot compare.”
Alien: Romulus star Isabela Merced revealed she had a terrifying experience filming the movie due to the live Xenomorph present on set. During an interview with Collider, the actor shared how director Fede Álvarez drew inspiration from Ridley Scott’s original 1979 masterpiece.
Definitely seeing the Xeno for the first time. They used a robot for that. And also, they used a human being, like a really tall person, in the costume and special effects. We had two Xenos on set, at all times, and they were just terrifying.
Álvarez’s decision to integrate animatronics and employ a towering actor inside the Xenomorph suit pays tribute to the methods that brought the iconic alien to life decades ago. Merced expressed particular fascination with the meticulous detailing of the creature effects, especially the chrome nails of the Xenomorph that she plans to mimic for the film’s premiere.
“The detail is incredible. I like the Xeno nails. That’s my favorite part, the chrome nails. I’m gonna get chrome nails for the premiere. You’ll see me with them all around. They were incredible.”
Alien: Romulus
is set to premiere on August 16, 2024.
