The Alien franchise has experienced a significant resurgence this year with the release of Alien: Romulus, which has not only become a fan favorite but also the second highest-grossing installment in the series’ history. The film’s release format has made headlines, particularly as it marks Disney’s first VHS release in three decades, featuring a fully functional limited edition tape alongside options for 4K, Blu-ray, and streaming on Hulu. Director Fede Álvarez expressed his excitement over this retro format, indicating it serves a dual purpose: celebrating nostalgia while ensuring the film encapsulates a timeless quality, akin to classics like Alien and Star Wars. Álvarez aimed for a movie that feels ageless by being less rooted in specific artistic trends, achieving this through careful choices in costumes, style, and production design. By opting against anamorphic lenses, he sought to maintain an authentic feel that would transport audiences across different eras.
Set between the original Alien and Aliens, Alien: Romulus follows six young space colonists who confront ferocious creatures while exploring an abandoned space station. Following its theatrical release, the film has performed remarkably well, grossing over $350 million worldwide and receiving positive reviews from critics. Álvarez is eager to explore the possibility of a sequel but emphasizes the importance of crafting a compelling story that justifies a follow-up. He shared his experiences with past projects, stressing that he and his team will not rush into a sequel unless they have a narrative that excites them. The director believes that the spirit of the franchise lies in creating stories that resonate, underscoring the collaborative effort to identify an engaging plot for the next installment.
Initially, Alien: Romulus was set to launch directly on streaming platforms; however, the decision was made to premiere it in theaters. This choice paid off, with a strong box office debut of $42 million, which was a significant relief for Álvarez. The director recalled the anxiety of releasing a project into the world after dedicating years of work to it, fearing audience indifference. For Álvarez, the success of a film is not merely a business concern, but a deeply personal experience rooted in the desire for connection through shared enjoyment of the art created. The director emphasized the joy of seeing audiences respond to the film, describing it as a communal experience that affirmatively validates the effort and emotion invested in the creative process.
A notable aspect of Alien: Romulus is Álvarez’s commitment to using practical effects over CGI, which he considers fundamental to achieving the horror and authenticity expected of the franchise. He reflected on his experiences watching previous installments wherein overly reliant CGI would detract from immersion, expressing a desire to recreate a tangible scare through real effects. He noted that many modern viewers are becoming increasingly aware of the artificiality in CGI, which lessens the impact of the horror experience. For this reason, the emphasis on practical effects was at the forefront of his vision for Romulus, aiming to captivate both the hardcore fans of the series and newcomers alike. His goal, he stated, was to create elements that evoke genuine awe and terror, enhancing the sense of existential threat woven throughout the narrative.
In revisiting the iconic Xenomorph, Álvarez strived to return to the creature’s design roots, moving away from the evolution seen in recent films. He aspired to reintegrate the biomechanical aesthetic that initially terrified audiences by blending organic and mechanical features. This involved meticulous design choices, taking inspiration from the legendary artist H.R. Giger, while also exploring new concepts that paid homage to the franchise’s origins. Álvarez aimed for a balance between classic visuals and fresh perspectives, allowing for the creation of new creatures while maintaining the original spirit of the Xenomorph encounters. His commitment to authenticity extended beyond visual aesthetics, leading to significant investments in practical effects and creature designs.
To further engage his cast and evoke genuine performances, Álvarez often surprised them on set, an approach he has employed since his work on Evil Dead. By maintaining an element of unpredictability, he aimed to cultivate an atmosphere of excitement and immersion for the actors, allowing them to more authentically react to the horror elements present in the film. This method of surprise not only keeps the energy alive on set, but also forges deeper connections within the cast as they collectively navigate the unfolding narrative. Filming chronologically was integral to this process, allowing cast members to experience the story’s progression in real-time as they confronted the evolving dynamics of their characters. This approach provided authenticity to their performances, as they encountered myriad fears and challenges during production, ensuring that Alien: Romulus resonates with the emotional weight akin to its predecessors. Through these thoughtful artistic choices, Álvarez successfully revitalizes the franchise while embracing its rich legacy.
