Forty-five years after Ridley Scott’s groundbreaking film Alien (1979) captured the imaginations of sci-fi and horror enthusiasts around the globe, the long-running franchise continues with Alien: Romulus, this time with a renewed focus on it’s horror roots. This new chapter is not just a nostalgic nod to its predecessors, but a fresh narrative that promises to captivate both old fans and new alike.
Here’s everything you need to get up to speed before the film bursts into screen.
1) Alien: Romulus bridges a 57-year gap in the Alien saga
Set a cool 20 years after the events of the original Ridley Scott-directed Alien (1979) film, Alien: Romulus throws us right back into the heart of the action, but with a twist. Forget what you thought you knew about the 57-year gap between 1979’s Alien and its sequel, James Cameron’s Aliens (1986), as this story unfolds a full 37 years before Ripley and the Colonial Marines face off against the Xenomorphs.
This puts the events of Alien: Romulus in the year 2142, leaving plenty of breathing room between installments. It’s also the seventh main entry in the overall Alien timeline, coming seven years after the last prequel, Alien: Covenant (2017). But don’t expect many ties to the Prometheus (2012) storyline – this one aims to mostly stand on its own. And sadly, with the timeline firmly set, it looks like we won’t be seeing Sigourney Weaver’s iconic Ellen Ripley this time around since she’s tucked away in cryo sleep during this time.
2) Director Fede Álvarez merges slow-build scares and action
Buckle up, horror fans, because Alien: Romulus is about to take you on a wild ride. Fede Álvarez, the Uruguayan filmmaker behind the bone-chilling Evil Dead (2013) remake and the heart-pounding Don’t Breathe (2016), is at the helm. If you’ve seen those films, you know this guy doesn’t mess around when it comes to scares and gore, making him the perfect fit to unleash a new wave of Xenomorph-induced nightmares. Remember that basement scene in Don’t Breathe? Yeah, that level of intensity.
If you can handle the scares, you’re in for a treat. This is a director who can step into Sam Raimi’s shoes and deliver a knockout Evil Dead, so expect him to push boundaries and leave you on the edge of your seat. With Alien: Romulus, it looks like he’s ready to take us on another wild ride.
3) The plotline centres around young space colonists’ survival against Xenomorphs
Alien: Romulus puts a fresh spin on the franchise by focusing on a ragtag group of young space colonists – resourceful survivors who’ve grown up in tough conditions, bound together by strong family ties. When their scavenging mission leads them to a derelict Weyland-Yutani Corporation spaceship, they unwittingly stumble upon a terrifying secret hidden within.
As chaos erupts and the deadly Facehuggers break free, these protagonists find themselves fighting for their lives. Expect a thrilling mix of heart-stopping action and tense character dynamics as this group battles not only the alien threat but also the challenges of their own relationships.
4) Ridley Scott returns as producer as Fede Álvarez embraces retro-futuristic aesthetics of Alien and Aliens
Get ready for a blast from the past as noted auteur Ridley Scott, the mastermind behind the original Alien, is back as producer, and director Fede Álvarez is embracing the retro-futuristic aesthetic that made the first two films so iconic. Think dark, industrial settings, and those unforgettable practical effects that made the Xenomorphs the stuff of nightmares.
Big Chap, the original Xenomorph himself, is set to make an appearance, alongside a swarm of those creepy facehuggers. And, in classic Alien fashion, Alien: Romulus will explore the complex relationship between humans and androids, reminding us why trusting synthetic beings can be a dangerous game.
5) Aliens director James Cameron gave feedback on Alien: Romulus
Alien: Romulus has not one, but two legendary directors in its corner. James Cameron, the mastermind behind the critically-acclaimed Aliens sequel, actually gave feedback on the script and has even seen the finished film. Director Fede Álvarez has been soaking up wisdom from both Cameron and Ridley Scott, and while their notes might be totally different, they’ve both given the movie their stamp of approval.
Having two of the biggest names in sci-fi cinema on board is a major win for Alien: Romulus. It shows that Álvarez is committed to honouring the franchise’s legacy while bringing his own unique vision to the table.
6) Iconic Xenomorphs return with terrifying new variations
As is tradition in the Alien franchise, Alien: Romulus will introduce a fresh breed of these iconic creatures, born from the sinister experiments within the Romulus lab. The Romulus Xenomorph, glimpsed in the trailer, boasts a chillingly familiar yet distinct appearance. With its fleshy, drool-covered body (similar to the Xenomorphs seen in Alien: Resurrection) and a haunting human skull visible beneath its domed head, this creature is sure to leave a lasting impression.
While the exact origins of this new Xenomorph remain shrouded in mystery, we know they’re connected to the Weyland-Yutani Corporation and its illegal experiments. Could this be a result of tampering with the infamous Black Goo from Prometheus? Or perhaps a twisted evolution of the classic Xenomorph? One thing’s for certain: this Xenomorph variant is sure to leave a lasting impression.
7) Fede Álvarez uses practical effects for visceral Xenomorph and Facehugger realism
Director Fede Álvarez is taking a decidedly traditional approach to the special effects in Alien: Romulus, opting for practical effects over CGI to bring the Xenomorphs and Facehuggers to life. By assembling veterans from late Academy Award-winning film special effects supervisor Stan Winston’s team on Aliens, Álvarez is utilising animatronics and puppets to achieve a level of realism and visceral impact that CGI might not capture.
Álvarez is not completely shunning digital effects but aims to integrate CGI where it enhances the scene without detracting from the authentic, tactile feel of the practical effects. This blend aims to create a seamless and immersive experience, making the terror of the Xenomorphs feel palpably real. Furthermore, Álvarez has made a point to stay true to the original Giger designs for the Alien creatures, including the Facehuggers and Chestbursters, adding another layer of authenticity.
8) The film stars a younger cast, including Cailee Spaeny (Civil War), Isabela Merced (The Last of Us), and Archie Renaux (Shadow and Bone)
Forget the grizzled veterans of space battles past, Alien: Romulus is all about the next generation. This time, we’re following a group of twenty-something space colonists and scavengers who find themselves face-to-face with the ultimate nightmare. Think fresh faces like Cailee Spaeny from Civil War (2024), Isabela Merced from Madame Web (2024), Archie Renaux from Netflix’s Shadow and Bone (2021-2023), as well as David Jonsson (Murder Is Easy), Spike Fearn (Tell Me Everything), and newcomer Aileen Wu.
Interestingly, this focus on youth was inspired by a deleted scene from Aliens where kids are seen playing in the colony. Director Fede Álvarez wondered what it would be like for those kids to grow up in such a harsh and dangerous environment, and Alien: Romulus is his answer. Expect a cast of relatable young characters facing unimaginable horrors, adding a whole new layer of tension and emotion to the Alien franchise.
9) A seemingly new breed of Facehuggers is introduced and lab-bred without eggs laid by an Alien Queen
Alien: Romulus sees the debut of a unique breed of Facehuggers, one that raises intriguing questions about the traditional life cycle of the Xenomorphs. Unlike previous films, these new Facehuggers appear to be lab-bred, potentially bypassing the need for Alien Queens and eggs – a concept not featured prominently in the trailers. This twist could tie into Ridley Scott’s preference to explore alternatives to the Alien Queen (an element introduced by James Cameron in Aliens). Speculation is rife that the Black Goo Pathogen from earlier prequels might play a role, hinting at a genetic manipulation that allows Facehuggers to be developed without a Queen.
The appearance and behaviour of these new Facehuggers suggest a darker, more aggressive evolution. Dubbed the Romulus Facehuggers, they exhibit a menacing dark brown coloration, reminiscent of the Queen Facehugger seen in Alien 3. But it’s not just their colour that makes them frightening, these creatures feature a thicker proboscis tube used to implant their lethal cargo in hosts, a detail that’s vividly showcased in a removal scene. Adding to their horror are the human-like nails at the tips of their fingers, enhancing their ability to latch onto victims with disturbing efficiency.
10) Alien: Romulus may have an interesting connection to Roman Mythology
The Alien franchise is no stranger to integrating allegorical layers into its science fiction. After all, Prometheus drew from Greek mythology while Alien: Covenant incorporated Biblical elements. With Alien: Romulus, the series ventures into the realm of Roman lore.
The film’s very title and the names within the story – the space station called Renaissance and its two sections, Romulus and Remus – deliberately echo the saga of the mythological twins known for their complex relationship and tragic story that led to the founding of Rome. The historical Romulus was not just Rome’s legendary founder but also its first king, a ruler whose reign began with the notorious act of fratricide. This thematic choice connects past legends to the space age, suggesting that the film will explore themes of destiny, brotherhood, and perhaps betrayal, much like the stories of the ancient city’s founders.
With a fresh-faced cast, a terrifying new breed of Facehuggers, and a plot steeped in both survival horror and classic mythology, Alien: Romulus is gearing up to be a thrilling chapter. Will the film reignite the spark that made the original Alien movies so iconic? Will it pave the way for a new era of Xenomorph-fueled nightmares? Only time will tell.
But one thing’s for sure: this is one cinematic event you won’t want to miss. So, mark your calendars for 15 August, and prepare to face the darkness once again. Because in space, no one can hear you scream… but they’ll definitely see you jump out of your seat.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, games, and comics — you name it. When she’s not reading or geeking out about the latest shows on Netflix, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of meeting her idols.
Kevin Low
