With the recent release of the thrilling trailer for Alien: Romulus, fans are eagerly anticipating the return of the franchise to its roots. The upcoming movie promises to bring back the essence of the original Alien series, sparking excitement among followers.
Given the extensive history spanning 45 years and a timeline that unfolds across centuries in a non-linear fashion, it can be challenging to pinpoint where Alien: Romulus fits into the overarching storyline of the franchise. For those looking to grasp the context before delving into the film, a deeper insight into Alien: Romulus and a refresher on the entire series can be enlightening.
Unraveling the Plot of Alien: Romulus
Alien: Romulus revolves around a fresh crew of space explorers who land on a deserted space station with the intention of salvaging its components. However, their routine mission takes a nightmarish turn when they encounter a terrifying extraterrestrial entity, leading to a harrowing fight for survival.
The cast is led by Cailee Spaeny (Priscilla, Civil War) as Rain Carradine, accompanied by David Jonsson (Rye Lane), Isabela Merced (Instant Family, Transformers: The Last Knight), Archie Renaux (Shadow and Bone), Spike Fearn, and Aileen Wu.
Alien: Romulus aims to revisit the fundamental elements of the Alien franchise, evident in its title's reference to Romulus, the mythological figure known for founding Rome through fratricide. The thematic indications of new beginnings and betrayal suggest a narrative that mirrors the original movie, striving to rekindle the franchise's former glory.
Director Fede Álvarez, recognized for his work on the successful Evil Dead remake and Don’t Breathe, seems poised to capture the essence of sci-fi horror embodied by the 1979 classic Alien. Emphasizing practical effects and physical sets over CGI, Álvarez's approach aligns with the authentic style that made the original Alien so impactful.
Exploring Other Entries in the Alien Series
Alien (1979)
Ridley Scott's Alien introduces a straightforward yet gripping narrative as the crew of the USCSS Nostromo, led by the iconic Ellen Ripley portrayed by Sigourney Weaver, confronts a lethal extraterrestrial life-form on a derelict space station. The film's blend of science fiction and horror, characterized by intense suspense and visceral effects, cements its status as a genre-defining masterpiece.
Aliens (1986)
Sequel to Alien, Aliens shifts towards action-oriented storytelling, following Ripley and a team of Colonial Marines battling hordes of xenomorphs and their formidable queen. While diverging from its predecessor, Aliens remains a beloved classic, sparking enduring debates on its superiority.
Alien 3 (1992) & Alien: Resurrection (1997)
Marking David Fincher's directorial debut, Alien 3 and Alien: Resurrection continue Ripley's saga post the events of Aliens, albeit with diminishing acclaim. The narrative follows Ripley's encounters with xenomorphs in a penal colony and a futuristic military vessel, respectively, introducing mixed responses from audiences and critics.
The Alien Vs. Predator Movies (2004 & 2007)
The Alien vs. Predator films, released in 2004 and 2007, portray clashes between the iconic creatures but are generally excluded from the core Alien storyline due to critical reception.
Prometheus (2012) & Alien: Covenant (2017)
Ridley Scott's return to the franchise with Prometheus and Alien: Covenant delves into the origins of xenomorphs and humanity, expanding the series' mythos and thematic exploration of corporate greed. Despite mixed reviews, these films contribute to the intricate world-building of the Alien universe.
Locating Alien: Romulus in the Continuum
While the chronological order of the Alien series may seem convoluted, the placement of Alien: Romulus is straightforward. Positioned between Alien and Aliens, the film enriches the saga by bridging crucial events and enhancing the overarching narrative of the franchise. The official chronological sequence of the Alien movies unfolds as:
- Prometheus
- Alien: Covenant
- Alien
- Alien: Romulus
- Aliens
- Alien 3
- Alien Resurrection
Release Date for Alien: Romulus
Originally slated for Hulu, Alien: Romulus has secured an exclusive theatrical premiere, scheduled to debut on August 16, 2024.