The follow-up to Alien: Romulus brings an unexpected twist as director Fede Álvarez announces his exit. Scheduled for release in 2024, this seventh entry in the primary Alien series diverges from Ridley Scott’s previous narratives seen in Prometheus (2012) and Alien: Covenant (2017).
Cailee Spaeny stars as Rain in Alien: Romulus, portraying a young colonist in space who, along with her group, encounters a Xenomorph on an abandoned space outpost. The film achieved notable success, and shortly after its release, the development of a sequel was confirmed, with Álvarez initially expected to direct again.
In a recent interview with TooFab, Álvarez disclosed that he will not be directing the upcoming Alien: Romulus sequel. While he won’t helm the project, he remains involved, having co-written the screenplay and continuing as a producer alongside Scott. The pursuit for a new director has begun, as evidenced by Álvarez’s comments:
“We’ve actually just completed the script for the Romulus sequel. However, I’ll be passing on the directorial role this time. I’ll still produce it, along with Ridley Scott. We’re currently looking for a new filmmaker to take over.
“It’s common for directors, aside from Ridley, to direct one film before passing the baton. We penned the sequel because we’re passionate about the foundation we’ve built with Romulus and wish to advance the narrative. We’re fond of the story and now we’re on the lookout for a director who’s eager to really dive deep.”
Regarding his future projects, Álvarez teased an entirely original venture:
“I’m planning to develop a personal project that my co-writer and I have been considering for some time, and now feels like the right moment to pursue this original concept. But I’m not ready to reveal any details yet.”
What the Future Holds for the Alien: Romulus Sequel
While Prometheus achieved a fair amount of success, the reception to Alien: Covenant in 2017 was decidedly mixed, impacting the film both critically and at the box office. Scott’s anticipated third installment in the David saga appeared to be indefinitely postponed, leading to a seven-year gap before the next series film appeared.
Known for his work on films like Evil Dead (2013) and Don’t Breathe (2016), Álvarez was a refreshing addition to the Alien franchise. Alien: Romulus received positive reviews, garnering an 80% score on Rotten Tomatoes and an even higher 85% on the Popcornmeter, while grossing $350 million globally.
The news of Álvarez stepping down as director might raise concerns among fans. Despite Romulus being critiqued for leaning heavily on franchise nostalgia, its climactic sequence featuring a Xenomorph hybrid was praised as a standout moment in the film. Without a new director named, the direction of the Romulus sequel remains uncertain.
Earlier in the year, Álvarez mentioned that the sequel was targeting an October start for production, but this schedule now seems unlikely without a director in place. The storyline is expected to continue following Rain and her android brother, Andy (David Jonsson), though casting details are yet to be confirmed.
Our Perspective on Fede Álvarez’s Departure from Alien: Romulus 2
Álvarez effectively delivered with Romulus, honoring the legacy of previous Alien films while introducing exciting new elements and characters. Although the use of CGI to recreate Ian Holm was a point of contention, Álvarez clearly demonstrated his capability to craft a compelling Alien film.
The anticipation of Álvarez continuing to evolve the franchise was a significant aspect of his appeal as director. It will be intriguing to see who Álvarez and Scott select as his successor, but their continued involvement as producers suggests that the Alien: Romulus sequel remains in capable hands.
Ava Thornton is an entertainment journalist with a keen eye for the latest in Hollywood, indie films, and streaming trends.
Her work blends insider knowledge with a deep appreciation for storytelling.
