The Xenomorphs have come and gone over the years, and while it isn’t always possible to strike gold, 2024’s Alien: Romulus marked a welcome return to form for the Alien universe. Between its success, the franchise’s enduring popularity, and an open ending that introduced a new hybrid form, it came as no surprise when a sequel to the film was announced – and it seems the wait may arrive sooner than expected.
Speaking in a special IMAX screening of the film hosted by Collider, director Fede Álvarez shared plans to begin filming this year. “I think the sequel is my next movie. As for when the cameras might pick up on the feature – it’s a good question. I hope I can shoot it this year,” he said.
Story details are naturally being kept under wraps, but fans can expect the upcoming feature to tread “into uncharted waters”, with protagonist Rain (Cailee Spaeny, Priscilla) staying front and centre. Adding to his previous emphasis of needing to tell a good story, he also expressed excitement to bring the narrative to new heights during the event:
“For the last couple of months, I’ve been trying not to think about anything, just enjoying the fact that the movie did well, and now we’ve got some love in this award season, so I’ve been trying to think about that. But obviously, with the studio, we love the idea of making a sequel for this. So, most likely. We have a path, an idea that I’m really excited about for the continuation to really push the saga.”
Rain was first introduced in Alien: Romulus, set between the first two films in the beloved sci-fi franchise. Alongside Spaeny, it stars David Jonsson (Industry), Archie Renaux (Shadow and Bone), Isabela Merced (Dora and the Lost City of Gold), Spike Fearn (Tell Me Everything), and Aileen Wu as six young space colonists who encounter hostile creatures while scavenging a derelict space station.
Receiving praise for its acting performances and visual and practical effects, the movie won Jonsson the Rising Star Award at the 2025 BAFTAs. A release date for the sequel has yet to be announced, with the upcoming FX series Alien: Earth serving to tide over the wait when it releases summer 2025.
Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.
Natalie
