In Space, No One Can Hear You Scream During The Alien: Romulus Trailer
BY SANDY SCHAEFER/MARCH 20, 2024 12:05 PM EST
Chris Evangelista of /Film has made an argument in support of "Alien: Resurrection," as I believe there to be no bad entries into its canon (excluding, perhaps, those made under "Alien Vs Predator") series of movies. Sure, Ridley Scott's classic 1979 original may divide audiences, yet subsequent sequels often remain engaging viewing experiences -- especially his gothic prequel films "Prometheus" and "Alien: Covenant", though these can sometimes polarism aside). Of course these sequels can divide audiences, but they never become dull, never boring; each entry from this IP retains signature of directors like Jean-Pierre Jeunet who made "Alien Resurrection". Just saying.
As much as I wished Scott could complete telling David's (Michael Fassbender) tale with "Alien: Awakening", I am eager to see what Fede Alvarez can come up with playing within this particular sandbox. "Evil Dead" (2013) and "Don't Breathe" director Sam Raimi is taking over production on "Alien: Romulus," an untitled movie set between "Alien" and "Aliens." We know little else at present besides that its narrative takes place between these events. Before we panic and assume Sigourney Weaver as Ellen Ripley will return as Mark Hamill did as Luke Skywalker (in "The Mandalorian"), it should be noted that Weaver herself has announced her days dueling against Xenomorphs are over - instead Alvarez seems more focused on taking his series in new directions rather than revisiting old territory.
A return to the post-Alien world
No "Alien" film could ever be complete without an unforgettable heroine at its center; "Priscilla" star Cailee Spaeny takes this role on in "Romulus." She stars alongside Isabela Merced, Spike Fearn, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux and Aileen Wu; Alvarez directed from a script written with his writing partner Rodo Sayagues. As opposed to "Prey," Disney decided against sending this one directly to Hulu and instead gave it an early theatrical run prior. Well, they did that last year as part of an overhauled release slate in response to WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes that the studio could've easily avoided through collaboration within AMPTP; nevertheless we take the victory anyway (since theaters could use all the movies they can get!)
As for Scott, his usual cantankerous personality wasn't hard to detect as he poked fun at some of the new "Alien" projects 20th Century Studios is producing without "Awakening", particularly Noah Hawley's FX show. Yet after seeing an early screening of "Romulus", Scott seemed rather pleased and even complimented Alvarez on what they called a "f***ing great film" (via The Hollywood Reporter). Could Ridley suddenly go soft on us or has Alvarez produced something special here?
"Alien: Romulus" will hit theaters nationwide on August 16, 2024.