Director Fede Álvarez Explains ‘Alien: Romulus’ Transition to Theaters and Its Role in Unifying the Franchise Timeline

Fede Álvarez knows well the delicate balance between homage, sequel, and imitation in filmmaking. His debut film, a remake of Sam Raimi’s The Evil Dead, focused on the intense horror of the 1981 original, setting a new standard for the franchise.

Following this, Álvarez launched his own series with Don’t Breathe and directed The Girl in the Spider’s Web, a sequel to David Fincher’s The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.

While the latter didn’t achieve the same acclaim as his earlier work, it solidified his reputation as a director who can infuse films with distinct personalities within studio constraints.

Now, Álvarez applies this skill to Alien: Romulus, the seventh entry in the Alien franchise. This installment, set roughly 20 years after Ridley Scott’s original and ahead of James Cameron’s sequel, bridges Scott’s and Cameron’s styles while introducing a fresh, modern narrative.

In crafting Alien: Romulus, Álvarez draws on the franchise’s rich world-building while aiming to engage both longtime fans and newcomers. He acknowledges the importance of “easter eggs” in connecting with seasoned fans but hopes the film’s modern aesthetic will appeal to a younger audience.

Reflecting on his own experiences, Álvarez recalls the impact of watching Pulp Fiction and aims to evoke similar excitement in viewers through Alien: Romulus.

Originally announced for Hulu in 2022 as a response to the pandemic’s impact on theaters, the film’s shift to a theatrical release was met with enthusiasm by Álvarez and his team.

Co-written with Rodo Sayagues, Álvarez sought to unify the franchise’s complex mythology, respecting the contributions of all previous films. His aim was not merely to replicate past styles but to capture the feelings those films evoked, emphasizing a blend of nostalgia and fresh thrills.

Álvarez’s goal is to convey why the original Alien films are so compelling, creating an experience that resonates with a new generation. Though he values the credit given to the original movies, his focus remains on demonstrating their enduring brilliance and the unique impact they had.