The first teaser trailer for Fede Álvarez’ Alien: Romulus, released on March 20, promises to bring back the thrilling experience that audiences first had with Ridley Scott’s Alien in 1979 and James Cameron’s Aliens in 1986. This latest installment in the Alien franchise showcases a young cast, including Cailee Spaeny as “Priscilla” and Isabela Merced as “Madame Web.” The trailer takes us through dimly-lit, hexagonal corridors, with the crew running from scurrying facehuggers, and their screams of fear resonating all too vividly.
According to Álvarez, Alien: Romulus is set between the events of Scott’s film and Cameron’s, drawing heavily upon those chapters in terms of style, story, and tone. In an interview with Variety, Álvarez revealed his aim to bring the film series back to its terrifying roots. This new movie aims to stay true to the canonical story of the Alien franchise while adding its own unique elements.
Watch the trailer here: Alien: Romulus Trailer
The filmmakers took great care to consult with experts involved in the previous films, including Ridley Scott and James Cameron. They ensured that Alien: Romulus was a collaborative effort, incorporating their expertise and maintaining the overall continuity and style of the franchise. Bringing in experts from previous films allowed Álvarez to capture the distinctive look and vibe of the Alien series, making this movie a visually stunning experience.
Álvarez also discussed the challenges of balancing the different eras of filmmaking represented in the franchise. Each movie was made in a different era, resulting in distinct differences in style and technology. However, Alien: Romulus aims to capture the essence of the original films while infusing them with a modern touch. The movie embraces the horror elements of the first film and the thrilling action of Aliens, creating something both familiar and fresh for fans.
One question that arises is how the filmmakers addressed the discrepancy between the retro technology seen in Alien and the more advanced technology in the later movies. Álvarez explained that the Nostromo does not represent the entire universe and that different ships reflect different periods and levels of technological advancement. This approach allows the movie to present a variety of futuristic visuals while staying true to the Alien universe.
One of the main goals for Álvarez was to focus on the fear-inducing horror elements that made the first film so iconic. He wanted to recapture the essence of the original movie and combine it with the thrilling elements introduced in Aliens and Alien 3. By blending the best of classic filmmaking techniques with modern advancements, Alien: Romulus aims to deliver a unique and captivating experience.
As Álvarez worked on Alien: Romulus, he was mindful of the expectations and opinions of fans who hold the first two films in high regard. He aimed to create a movie that would be genuinely terrifying, building on the horror and shock that defined the Alien universe. By staying true to the core elements of the franchise, Álvarez hopes to deliver a worthy addition to the beloved series.
Alien: Romulus promises to be a thrilling and terrifying adventure, taking audiences back to the heart-stopping fear and excitement that made the original Alien a cult classic. With its careful attention to style, story, and tone, this movie aims to reignite the franchise and leave fans eagerly waiting for its premiere on August 16.
Read more about Alien: Romulus and Fede Álvarez’s vision for the film on F5 Magazine.
Source: Variety