The thrill of the unknown and the terror of extraterrestrial life forms have always fascinated audiences. The Alien franchise, starting with Ridley Scott’s seminal 1979 film, has been a cornerstone of sci-fi horror. Now, with the arrival of Alien: Romulus, we see the saga expand in exciting ways. This seventh entry in the series not only introduces new characters and scenarios but also thoughtfully weaves itself into the fabric of the franchise’s rich lore.
The Connection Between Alien: Romulus and the Original Alien
Alien: Romulus serves as both a continuation and a homage to the original Alien film. Set roughly 20 years after the events of the 1979 classic, Romulus offers fresh insights and connections to the established universe.
Key Plot Points
-
Surviving Xenomorph: One of the most intriguing revelations in Alien: Romulus is the fate of the legendary Big Chap Xenomorph. This iconic creature, which was blown out of the shuttle Narcissus by Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver), is discovered to have survived. It was recovered by Weyland-Yutani and brought to the Romulus research station, setting the stage for new horrors.
-
The Romulus Station: The film’s protagonists, Rain Carradine (Cailee Spaeny) and her android brother Andy (David Jonsson), board the seemingly decommissioned Romulus station. What they find is a horrifying secret, involving the resurrection of the Big Chap Xenomorph and the creation of a new Xenomorph hive.
Integration with Prometheus and Covenant
Alien: Romulus also serves as a bridge to Ridley Scott’s prequels, Prometheus (2012) and Alien: Covenant (2017). Here’s how it ties into these films:
-
Black Goo: The mysterious black goo introduced in Prometheus and explored further in Covenant makes a return. This substance, known for its mutagenic properties, plays a significant role in Romulus. The film reveals that Romulus scientists attempted to harness the goo to “upgrade” humans and create better workers for Weyland-Yutani. Instead, it led to disaster.
-
Hybrid Horrors: The film explores the terrifying consequences of the black goo more directly. Rain’s pregnant friend Kay (Isabela Merced) injects herself with the substance, leading to the creation of a grotesque Xenomorph-human hybrid. This unsettling development highlights the goo’s unpredictable and dangerous nature.
Behind the Scenes: Digital Resurrection and More
-
Rook and Digital Resurrection: To maintain continuity, Romulus resurrects the likeness of Ian Holm’s android Ash from Alien. Rook, a Hyperdyne Systems 120-A2 synthetic, provides critical information to the crew. This digital resurrection mirrors Disney’s controversial use of CGI to bring back Carrie Fisher and Peter Cushing in Star Wars.
-
Attention to Canon: Director Fede Álvarez emphasised the importance of staying true to the Alien canon. “We went to crazy extents to make sure that things were in canon and we were not contradicting or messing [with], I would say, any of [the movies],” Álvarez told IGN. This dedication ensures that Romulus respects the franchise’s established lore while adding fresh elements.
Why Fans Should Care
For long-time fans of the Alien franchise, Romulus offers a compelling mix of nostalgia and innovation. By connecting to both the original film and its prequels, it enriches the lore and provides deeper insights into the franchise’s universe. The return of familiar elements, like the black goo and the Xenomorphs, alongside new characters and scenarios, creates a satisfying experience for both new and old fans.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Alien Franchise?
The ending of Alien: Romulus leaves room for potential sequels. Fans are left wondering how the franchise will continue to explore the enigmatic black goo and the ever-present threat of the Xenomorphs. Whether or not a sequel will provide more answers, it’s clear that the Alien saga is far from over.
Conclusion
Alien: Romulus not only expands the Alien universe but also pays homage to its roots. By connecting to both the original film and its prequels, it provides a rich, multifaceted experience for fans. With its blend of old and new elements, it’s a thrilling addition to the franchise that promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
Useful Links:
- Alien Franchise Overview: Click here
- Prometheus and Alien: Covenant Details: Click here
- Director Fede Álvarez: Click here
- Cailee Spaeny: Click here
- David Jonsson: Click here
