Alien: Romulus

{{short description|2024 film by Fede Álvarez}} {{good article}} {{Use American English|date=May 2025}} {{Use mdy dates|date=May 2025}}  {{Infobox film | image = Alien Romulus 2024 (poster).jpg | caption = Theatrical release poster | alt = A red and black image of a person with an eight-legged alien creature attached to the person's face with the person's hands clutching its tail. | director = [[Fede Álvarez]] | writer = {{plainlist| * Fede Álvarez * [[Rodo Sayagues]] }} | based_on = {{based on|[[List of Alien (franchise) characters|Characters]]|[[Dan O'Bannon]]|[[Ronald Shusett]]}} | producer = {{plainlist| * [[Ridley Scott]] * [[Michael Pruss]] * [[Walter Hill]] }} | starring = {{plainlist| * [[Cailee Spaeny]] * [[David Jonsson]] * [[Archie Renaux]] * [[Isabela Merced]] * [[Spike Fearn]] * Aileen Wu }} | cinematography = Galo Olivares | editing = [[Jake Roberts (film editor)|Jake Roberts]] | music = [[Benjamin Wallfisch]] | studio = {{plainlist| * [[Scott Free Productions]] * [[Brandywine Productions]] }} | distributor = [[20th Century Studios]] | released = {{film date|2024|8|12|Los Angeles|2024|8|15|[[Edinburgh International Film Festival|Edinburgh]]|2024|8|16|United States}} | runtime = 119 minutes<ref>{{cite web |date=July 15, 2024 |title=''Alien Romulus'' (15) |url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/alien-romulus-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc0xmdiwmza3 |access-date=July 15, 2024 |publisher=[[British Board of Film Classification|BBFC]] |archive-date=July 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240715200056/https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/alien-romulus-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc0xmdiwmza3 |url-status=live}}</ref> | country = {{plainlist| * United States * United Kingdom }} | language = English | budget = $80 million | gross = $350.9 million<ref name="NUM">{{Cite The Numbers |id=Alien-Romulus-(2024) |title=Alien: Romulus – Financial Information |access-date=November 11, 2024}}</ref><ref name="BOM">{{Cite Box Office Mojo |id=18412256 |title=Alien: Romulus |access-date=November 11, 2024}}</ref> }}

'''''Alien: Romulus''''' is a 2024 [[Science fiction film|science fiction]] [[horror film]] directed by [[Fede Álvarez]], who co-wrote the script with [[Rodo Sayagues]]. It is the seventh installment in the [[Alien (franchise)|''Alien'' film series]], set between the events of ''[[Alien (film)|Alien]]'' (1979) and ''[[Aliens (film)|Aliens]]'' (1986). The film stars [[Cailee Spaeny]], [[David Jonsson]], [[Archie Renaux]], [[Isabela Merced]], [[Spike Fearn]], and Aileen Wu as six downtrodden young [[space colonist]]s who encounter [[Xenomorph|hostile creatures]] while scavenging a derelict space station from which they plan to steal cryostasis chambers to navigate to another planet.

At [[CinemaCon]] in April 2019, [[20th Century Studios]] (then-named 20th Century Fox) announced plans to produce future ''Alien'' films. Álvarez was attached as director in March 2022, and Spaeny joined as the lead later that year. Filming took place from March to July 2023.

''Alien: Romulus'' premiered in Los Angeles on August 12, 2024, and was theatrically released in the United States by 20th Century Studios on August 16. The film grossed $350.9 million worldwide and received generally positive reviews from critics. It received several industry nominations, namely for its technical aspects, including an [[Academy Award]] nomination for [[Academy Award for Best Visual Effects|Best Visual Effects]]. A sequel is in development.

== Plot == In 2142, a [[Weyland-Yutani]] probe recovers a large cocoon from the wreckage of the [[USCSS Nostromo|USCSS ''Nostromo'']].{{efn|As depicted in ''[[Alien (film)|Alien]]'' (1979).}} Months later, at the run-down Jackson's Star mining colony on the perpetually dark planet LV-410, orphaned colonist Rain Carradine discovers that Weyland-Yutani has forcibly extended her work contract. Determined to escape, she teams up with her adopted brother Andy (a malfunctioning [[android (robot)|android]] reprogrammed by her father), her ex-boyfriend Tyler, his pregnant sister Kay, their cousin Bjorn, and Bjorn's adopted sister Navarro. The group commandeers the hauler ''Corbelan IV'' to reach ''Renaissance'', a seemingly abandoned Weyland-Yutani station split into the modules ''Romulus'' and ''Remus'', intending to steal [[Suspended animation in fiction|cryostasis]] equipment to survive the nine-year journey to Yvaga III, an apparently idyllic planet unaffiliated with Weyland-Yutani.

Bjorn taunts Andy with the fact that Yvaga III does not allow androids, meaning Andy will have to remain behind, leaving Rain guilt-ridden. Tyler and Bjorn attempt to retrieve cryostasis fuel but unintentionally trigger a lockdown and release dozens of [[facehugger]] parasites. In desperation, Rain upgrades Andy's security access with a control chip from the station's damaged science officer android, Rook. However, this reprogramming shifts Andy's loyalty from Rain to Weyland-Yutani. Andy leads the group to safety, but not before a facehugger impregnates Navarro.

Rain reactivates Rook, who reveals that the cocoon contained the [[xenomorph]] that killed most of the ''Nostromo''{{'s}} crew. ''Renaissance'' scientists experimented on the alien, [[Reverse engineering|reverse-bioengineering]] the facehuggers. However, the xenomorph escaped and massacred most of the crew; those remaining died when the xenomorph was killed, as its acidic blood melted through ''Remus''{{'s}} hull, causing [[explosive decompression]].

Bjorn attempts to flee with Navarro and Kay on the ''Corbelan'', but an [[Chestburster|infant xenomorph]] bursts from Navarro's chest, killing her and causing the ship to crash into ''Romulus''{{'s}} hangar, accelerating the station's collision course with LV-410's [[Ring system|planetary rings]]. As the infant rapidly matures, Bjorn wounds it with a stun baton and is killed by its acid blood. Kay escapes into ''Romulus'', pursued by the creature. Rain and Tyler attempt to rescue her, but Andy, suspecting the xenomorph is using her as bait, refuses to open the door between them. Helpless, they watch as it abducts Kay.

Rook instructs Andy to retrieve Z-01, a potent fluid harvested from the facehuggers that can rapidly rewrite and adapt [[DNA]]. Weyland-Yutani plans to use it to create genetically perfect humans capable of thriving in space. He orders that it be taken to Jackson's Star, or he will not release the ''Corbelan''. Rain and Tyler arm themselves with rifles, but Andy warns them against injuring the xenomorph to avoid another explosive decompression.

The group discovers a xenomorph nest, where they rescue a badly injured Kay. Andy gives her a vial of Z-01 to heal, which she keeps. Hordes of facehuggers and xenomorphs attack them, and Tyler sacrifices himself to protect Rain and Kay while Andy is incapacitated. Rain drags Kay to safety and returns to rescue Andy, restoring his original programming. With xenomorphs and facehuggers surrounding them, Rain disables the station's gravity, allowing her to shoot them without their blood touching the hull. As the gravity reactivates, Rain is confronted by the Navarro xenomorph, but Andy intervenes and kills it. Rain and Andy escape aboard the ''Corbelan'' as ''Renaissance'' is destroyed by LV-410's rings.

Rain prepares Andy for the trip to Yvaga III, insisting they will remain together despite the planet's rules against androids. Kay—having injected herself with the Z-01—gives birth to a human–xenomorph hybrid mutated by the substance. The hybrid kills Kay and disables Andy before Rain ejects it into LV-410's rings, disintegrating it. After setting course for Yvaga III, Rain and Andy enter cryostasis.

== Cast == {{see also|List of Alien (film series) characters{{!}}List of ''Alien'' film series characters}} {{multiple image | total_width = 450 | footer = [[Cailee Spaeny]] (pictured in 2023), [[David Jonsson]] (2025), [[Archie Renaux]] (2022), and [[Isabela Merced]] (2024) | image1 = Cailee Spaeny 2023 (cropped).jpg | alt1 = A photograph of Cailee Spaeny | image2 = David Jonsson by Gage Skidmore 2.jpg | alt2 = A photograph of David Jonsson | image3 = Archie renaux tiff 2022.jpg | alt3 = A photograph of Archie Renaux | image4 = Isabela Merced in 2024 02.jpg | alt4 = A photograph of Isabela Merced }} * [[Cailee Spaeny]] as Marie Raines "Rain" Carradine, an orphaned miner<ref name="SpaenyMerced" /> * [[David Jonsson]] as Andy, an [[Android (robot)|android]] reprogrammed by Rain's late father as her surrogate brother<ref name="CastRoundOut" /> * [[Archie Renaux]] as Tyler Harrison, Rain's ex-boyfriend<ref name="CastRoundOut" /> * [[Isabela Merced]] as Kay Harrison, Tyler's younger sister who is pregnant<ref name="SpaenyMerced" /> * [[Spike Fearn]] as Bjorn, Tyler and Kay's cousin who lost his mother to an android<ref name="CastRoundOut" /> * Aileen Wu as Navarro, a pilot and Bjorn's adopted sister<ref name="Earl">{{Cite web |last=Earl |first=William |date=August 17, 2024 |title=Trapped in a Hole for Days and Covered in Blood and Lube, 'Alien: Romulus' Star Aileen Wu Breaks Down What It's Like to Battle Facehuggers and Chestbursters |url=https://variety.com/2024/film/news/alien-romulus-made-facehuggers-chestbursters-1236103040/ |access-date=August 31, 2024 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |language=en-US |archive-date=September 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240901134450/https://variety.com/2024/film/news/alien-romulus-made-facehuggers-chestbursters-1236103040/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":4">''Total Film'', "Cover Story: Unsafe Space", August 24, p. 36: "Bjorn's adopted sister Navarro (Aileen Wu)"</ref>

Rook, an android science officer on board the ''Romulus'', is voiced by [[Daniel Betts]], while his physical appearance is based on the likeness of the late [[Ian Holm]], who portrayed the android [[Ash (Alien)|Ash]] in [[Alien (film)|the original film]].<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Holub |first=Christian |date=August 18, 2024 |title=How ''Alien: Romulus'' resurrected that character from the original film |url=https://ew.com/how-alien-romulus-resurrected-ian-holm-8695189 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816225347/https://ew.com/how-alien-romulus-resurrected-ian-holm-8695189 |archive-date=August 16, 2024 |access-date=August 18, 2024 |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]}}</ref> After securing permission from Holm's estate, Rook was realized by effects company [[Legacy Effects]], who created an [[Animatronics|animatronic]] head and torso based on a headscan Holm had made during the production of ''[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|The Lord of the Rings]]'' film trilogy. For certain shots, the practical character was also enhanced by CGI and [[deepfake]] AI technology from the CGI company Metaphysic, such as for lip syncing lines or enhancing its nose and eyes.<ref name="Rookeffect2" /><ref name="Rookeffect">{{Cite web|date=August 19, 2024|title='Alien: Romulus' Director Fede Álvarez on That Surprise Character: "It Was Unfair That the Likeness Was Never Used Again"|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/alien-romulus-ending-offspring-fede-alvarez-1235978411/|first=Brian|last=Davids|access-date=October 23, 2024|website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|archive-date=November 8, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241108224354/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/alien-romulus-ending-offspring-fede-alvarez-1235978411/|url-status=live}}</ref> Betts' dialogue recordings were then modified with the filtering software ''Speecher'', to be based on Ash's dialogue pulled from the original ''Alien''.<ref name="Rookeffect2">{{Cite web|date=August 23, 2024|title=How Did 'Alien: Romulus' Create Its Most Controversial Character?|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/alien-romulus-ian-holm-rook-ash-ai-1235982350/|first=Seth|last=Abramovitch|accessdate=October 23, 2024|website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|archive-date=September 13, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240913211058/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/alien-romulus-ian-holm-rook-ash-ai-1235982350/|url-status=live}}</ref> Annemarie Griggs voices the ''Romulus''{{'s}} computer [[MU / TH / UR|"Mother"]].

Trevor Newlin portrays the [[xenomorph]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Foutch |first=Haleigh |date=August 16, 2024 |title=''Alien: Romulus'' Cast and Character Guide {{!}} Photos |url=https://www.thewrap.com/alien-romulus-cast-characters-photos/ |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816202504/https://www.thewrap.com/alien-romulus-cast-characters-photos/ |archive-date=August 16, 2024 |access-date=August 18, 2024 |website=[[TheWrap]]}}</ref> while the human–xenomorph hybrid (credited as the "Offspring") is portrayed by Romanian former basketball player [[Robert Bobroczkyi]].<ref name=":3">{{Cite news |last=Truitt |first=Brian |date=August 17, 2024 |title=''Alien: Romulus'' movie spoilers! Explosive ending sets up franchise's next steps |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/movies/2024/08/17/alien-romulus-spoilers-ending-plot/74766600007/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817144730/https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/movies/2024/08/17/alien-romulus-spoilers-ending-plot/74766600007/ |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |access-date=August 18, 2024 |newspaper=[[USA Today]]}}</ref> To portray the Offspring, Bobroczkyi wore full body [[prosthetic makeup]] created by Legacy Effects, with the exception of the creature's tail which was CGI.<ref name="offspring">{{Cite web |title=Alien: Romulus' Director Fede Álvarez Answers All Your Spoiler Questions [Exclusive] |url=https://collider.com/alien-romulus-spoilers-fede-alverez/ |first1=Jasneet |last1=Singh |first2=Steven |last2=Weintraub |date=August 24, 2024 |access-date=October 23, 2024 |website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]] |archive-date=September 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240918203314/https://collider.com/alien-romulus-spoilers-fede-alverez/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="offspring2">{{Cite web|title=Alien: Romulus Director Shares Bizarre BTS Video of the Offspring on Set|url=https://www.cbr.com/alien-romulus-bts-offspring/|first=Jeremy|last=Dick|date=August 31, 2024|access-date=October 23, 2024|website=[[Comic Book Resources]]|archive-date=September 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240918203425/https://www.cbr.com/alien-romulus-bts-offspring/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="offspring3">{{Cite web|date=August 24, 2024|title=What is the 'Offspring' creature in the 'Alien: Romulus' finale?|url=https://www.space.com/alien-romulus-offspring-creature|first=Jeff|last=Spry|access-date=September 10, 2024|website=[[Space.com]]|archive-date=September 10, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240910125847/https://www.space.com/alien-romulus-offspring-creature|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Production == === Development === [[File:Fede Alvarez by Gage Skidmore.jpg|thumb|[[Fede Álvarez]] was chosen to direct the film after pitching his own story.]] After the [[Acquisition of 21st Century Fox by Disney|acquisition of 21st Century Fox]] by [[The Walt Disney Company]], [[20th Century Fox]] confirmed at the 2019 [[CinemaCon]] that future ''Alien'' films were in development.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last1=Giardina |first1=Carolyn |last2=McClintock |first2=Pamela |date=April 3, 2019 |title=New 'Avengers: Endgame' Footage Hits CinemaCon |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/new-avengers-endgame-scene-shows-captain-marvel-joining-team-1199385 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004122605/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/new-avengers-endgame-scene-shows-captain-marvel-joining-team-1199385/ |archive-date=October 4, 2022 |access-date=April 28, 2019 |magazine=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref> In March 2022, it was reported that [[Fede Álvarez]] would write and direct a seventh ''Alien'' film after [[Pitch (filmmaking)|pitching]] his own story, said to be "unconnected" to the previous films in the franchise, with the project set to be released on [[Hulu]].<ref name="Hulu">{{Cite magazine |last=Kit |first=Borys |date=March 4, 2022 |title=New ''Alien'' Movie in the Works With ''Don't Breathe'' Filmmaker Fede Álvarez (Exclusive) |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/alien-movie-fede-alvarez-20th-century-studios-1235037155/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220903040732/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/alien-movie-fede-alvarez-20th-century-studios-1235037155/ |archive-date=September 3, 2022 |access-date=March 4, 2022 |magazine=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref> Álvarez later clarified that the film was not a standalone story.<ref name="THRInterview">{{Cite magazine |last=Davids |first=Brian |date=March 20, 2024 |title=''Alien: Romulus'' Director Fede Álvarez Unveils First Teaser, Talks Ridley Scott and James Cameron–Approved Prequel |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/alien-romulus-trailer-ridley-scott-1235856321/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240327132850/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/alien-romulus-trailer-ridley-scott-1235856321/ |archive-date=March 27, 2024 |access-date=March 20, 2024 |magazine=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref> The film was said to take place between the events of ''[[Alien (film)|Alien]]'' (1979) and ''[[Aliens (film)|Aliens]]'' (1986), with some technical crew members returning from the latter film.<ref name="Between">{{Cite magazine |last=Murphy |first=J. Kim |date=November 28, 2023 |title=''Alien: Romulus'' Star Cailee Spaeny Confirms New Entry Is Set Between the First Two Films |url=https://variety.com/2023/film/news/alien-romulus-set-between-first-two-cailee-spaeny-1235810521/ |access-date=November 28, 2023 |magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |archive-date=December 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230020703/https://variety.com/2023/film/news/alien-romulus-set-between-first-two-cailee-spaeny-1235810521/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

Álvarez stuck as close as possible to the established [[Canon (fiction)|canon]] of the film series and used the [[fan wiki]] Xenopedia as a reference point while writing the story.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a61205914/alien-romulus-fede-alvarez-canon/|title=Alien: Romulus' Fede Alvarez used Xenopedia to stick to Alien canon|first=Ian|last=Sandwell|work=[[Digital Spy]]|date=June 21, 2024|accessdate=October 27, 2024|archive-date=November 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241116054451/https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a61205914/alien-romulus-fede-alvarez-canon/|url-status=live}}</ref> The film features connections and references to all of the six prior ''Alien'' films—''Alien'', ''Aliens'', ''[[Alien 3]]'' (1992), ''[[Alien Resurrection]]'' (1997), ''[[Prometheus (2012 film)|Prometheus]]'' (2012), and ''[[Alien: Covenant]]'' (2017)—in some capacity,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Taylor |first=Drew |date=August 16, 2024 |title=When Is ''Alien: Romulus'' Set in the Franchise Timeline? |url=https://www.thewrap.com/alien-romulus-timeline-explained/ |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816202355/https://www.thewrap.com/alien-romulus-timeline-explained/ |archive-date=August 16, 2024 |access-date=August 18, 2024 |website=[[TheWrap]]}}</ref><ref name="EasterEggs">{{Cite web |last=Hornshaw |first=Phil |date=August 16, 2024 |title=''Alien: Romulus'' – 24 Easter Eggs And References to the ''Alien'' Franchise |url=https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/alien-romulus-24-easter-eggs-and-references-to-the-alien-franchise/2900-5687/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816211208/https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/alien-romulus-24-easter-eggs-and-references-to-the-alien-franchise/2900-5687/ |archive-date=August 16, 2024 |access-date=August 18, 2024 |website=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref> as well as the novel ''[[Alien: The Cold Forge]]'' (2018) by [[Alex White (author)|Alex White]].<ref name=":PP">{{Cite web|author=Christian, Patrick & Jaime|url=https://perfectorganism.podbean.com/e/254-plagiarus-praepotens-a-conversation-with-novelist-alex-white|title=254 // ''Plagiarus Praepotens'': A Conversation with Novelist Alex White|website=Perfect Organism|date=September 2, 2024|access-date=September 2, 2024}}</ref> In particular, the film ties directly to ''Alien'' and ''Prometheus'', with [[Weyland-Yutani]] recovering the [[xenomorph]] that attacked [[Ellen Ripley]] in ''Alien'' from the [[USCSS Nostromo|USCSS ''Nostromo'']], an [[Android (robot)|android]] named Rook who physically resembles [[Ash (Alien)|Ash]] from the first film, and the "black goo" from ''Prometheus'' that gives birth to a human–xenomorph hybrid resembling an [[Engineers (Alien)|Engineer]] from ''Prometheus'' and the creature from the ending of ''Resurrection'',<ref name="EasterEggs" /><ref name="BlackGoo">{{Cite web |last=Taylor |first=Drew |date=August 17, 2024 |title=''Alien: Romulus'': The Black Goo, Explained |url=https://www.thewrap.com/alien-romulus-black-goo-explained-prometheus/ |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817190648/https://www.thewrap.com/alien-romulus-black-goo-explained-prometheus/ |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |access-date=August 18, 2024 |website=[[TheWrap]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=McCluskey |first=Megan |date=August 16, 2024 |title=How ''Alien: Romulus'' Fits Into the ''Alien'' Universe |url=https://time.com/7010555/alien-romulus-franchise-timeline/ |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816112459/https://time.com/7010555/alien-romulus-franchise-timeline/ |archive-date=August 16, 2024 |access-date=August 18, 2024 |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]}}</ref> and to ''The Cold Forge'' in Rook seeking to harvest the ''Plagiarus Praepotens (Z-01)'' from that novel to develop [[human immortality]].<ref name=":PP" /> Rook appears via an animatronic with the likeness of the late [[Ian Holm]], who previously portrayed Ash. Álvarez confirmed the connections to ''Prometheus'' and stated that the hybrid's resemblance to the Engineers was intentional; this was done to bridge the gap between the prequels and the original films.<ref name="Prometheus">{{Cite magazine |last=Gilchrist |first=Todd |date=August 17, 2024 |title=''Alien: Romulus''{{'}} Director on the Ending's Insane New Monster and Resurrecting [Spoiler] From ''Alien'': His Family 'Was on Board With This Idea' |url=https://variety.com/2024/film/features/alien-romulus-ending-director-fede-alvarez-resurrecting-ash-1236107526/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817175412/https://variety.com/2024/film/features/alien-romulus-ending-director-fede-alvarez-resurrecting-ash-1236107526/ |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |access-date=August 18, 2024 |magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hermanns |first=Grant |date=August 17, 2024 |title=''Alien: Romulus'' Ending's Connection To ''Resurrection'' & ''Prometheus''{{'}} Engineers Addressed By Director |url=https://screenrant.com/alien-romulus-ending-resurrection-prometheus-engineers-connection-director-explained/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240818010915/https://screenrant.com/alien-romulus-ending-resurrection-prometheus-engineers-connection-director-explained/ |archive-date=August 18, 2024 |access-date=August 18, 2024 |website=[[Screen Rant]]}}</ref> The film also draws inspiration from the video game ''[[Alien: Isolation]]'' (2014).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mathai |first=Jeremy |date=August 15, 2024 |title=''Alien: Romulus'' Pays Tribute To A Beloved Alien Video Game |url=https://www.slashfilm.com/1642678/alien-romulus-pays-tribute-alien-isolation-video-game/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240815150050/https://www.slashfilm.com/1642678/alien-romulus-pays-tribute-alien-isolation-video-game/ |archive-date=August 15, 2024 |access-date=August 15, 2024 |website=[[/Film]]}}</ref> This involved integrating the emergency phone registration points from the game into the film's set design. These phones, which functioned as save points in the game, served as [[Easter egg (media)|easter egg]]s that would foreshadow impending danger for the audience.<ref name="easter">{{Cite web|date=August 12, 2024|title=Alien: Romulus director explains his new film's big Alien: Isolation Easter egg|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/sci-fi-movies/alien-romulus-alien-isolation-easter-egg-emergency-phone/|first=Jordan|last=Farley|access-date=September 24, 2024|website=[[GamesRadar]]|archive-date=August 12, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240812224023/https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/sci-fi-movies/alien-romulus-alien-isolation-easter-egg-emergency-phone/|url-status=live}}</ref> The pregnancy of character Kay was inspired by [[Characters of The Last of Us Part II#Dina|Dina]] from ''[[The Last of Us Part II]]'' (2020), who would [[The Last of Us season 2#Cast and characters|later be portrayed by the same actress]], due to Álvarez playing the game while writing the film.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kaloi |first=Stephanie |date=August 24, 2024 |title='Alien: Romulus' Director Says 'The Last of Us' Inspired Pregnancy Storyline |url=https://www.thewrap.com/alien-romulus-the-last-of-us-part-2-isabela-merced-pregnancy-dina/ |access-date=October 8, 2024 |website=[[TheWrap]] |language=en-US |archive-date=September 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240924035033/https://www.thewrap.com/alien-romulus-the-last-of-us-part-2-isabela-merced-pregnancy-dina/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Alien: Romulus Director Confirms One Connection to The Last of Us |url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/alien-romulus-to-the-last-of-us-inspiration/|first=Tanner|last=Dedmon| date=August 24, 2024|access-date=October 8, 2024|website=comicbook.com |language=en}}</ref> The story centers on three pairs of siblings, whether blood relatives or [[found family]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Egan |first=Toussaint |title=The Wild Robot, Alien: Romulus, Netflix's The Shadow Strays, and every movie new to streaming this week |url=https://www.polygon.com/entertainment/465629/new-movies-watch-streaming-alien-romulus-the-wild-robot-netflix-shadow-strays#alien-romulus |date=August 18, 2024 |access-date=October 23, 2024 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |language=en-US |archive-date=November 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241127042753/https://www.polygon.com/entertainment/465629/new-movies-watch-streaming-alien-romulus-the-wild-robot-netflix-shadow-strays#alien-romulus |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Alien: Romulus gets a digital release date – and it's coming with a guide to all the Easter eggs you probably missed |url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/alien-romulus-gets-digital-release-210512382.html |first=Lauren |last=Milici|date=September 26, 2024|access-date=October 23, 2024 |website=[[Yahoo Entertainment]] |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Casting === By November 2022, [[Cailee Spaeny]] had entered negotiations to star.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kroll |first=Justin |date=November 16, 2022 |title=Cailee Spaeny Circling New ''Alien'' Movie At 20th Century And Scott Free |url=https://deadline.com/2022/11/cailee-spaeny-alien-movie-20th-century-scott-free-1235174184/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221116194746/https://deadline.com/2022/11/cailee-spaeny-alien-movie-20th-century-scott-free-1235174184/ |archive-date=November 16, 2022 |access-date=November 16, 2022 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref> In March 2023, [[Isabela Merced]] was set to co-star opposite Spaeny.<ref name="SpaenyMerced">{{Cite web |last=Kroll |first=Justin |date=March 2, 2023 |title=Isabela Merced Joins Cailee Spaeny In New ''Alien'' Movie For 20th Century And Scott Free |url=https://deadline.com/2023/03/isabela-merced-cailee-spaeny-alien-20th-century-scott-free-1235277125/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302192632/https://deadline.com/2023/03/isabela-merced-cailee-spaeny-alien-20th-century-scott-free-1235277125/ |archive-date=March 2, 2023 |access-date=March 2, 2023 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref> Later that month, [[David Jonsson]], [[Archie Renaux]], [[Spike Fearn]], and Aileen Wu joined the cast.<ref name="CastRoundOut">{{Cite magazine |last=Kit |first=Borys |date=March 3, 2023 |title=Fede Álvarez's ''Alien'' Movie Rounds Out Cast (Exclusive) |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/fede-alvarez-alien-movie-cast-1235340396/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230303212958/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/fede-alvarez-alien-movie-cast-1235340396/ |archive-date=March 3, 2023 |access-date=March 3, 2023 |magazine=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref> Renaux also auditioned for Jonsson's role and was secretly cast in December 2022; while Fearn was cast in February 2023 after two quick self tapes. Fearn initially tried to do an American accent but the director asked him to keep his own British accent.<ref>{{cite video |url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?si=MoNOr9k68x5bDi9N&v=xrwypATHZ44&feature=youtu.be |title=ALIEN: ROMULUS Cast Reveal Their Secret Audition Stories With Archie Renaux & Isabela Merced |access-date=August 22, 2024 |archive-date=August 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240822201605/https://m.youtube.com/watch?si=MoNOr9k68x5bDi9N&v=xrwypATHZ44&feature=youtu.be |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Filming=== [[File:Budapest - panoramio (30).jpg|thumb|Filming was done in [[Budapest]] which was chosen for its "out-of-the-norm locations".<ref name="productiondesigner" /> ]] [[Principal photography]] took place in [[Budapest]] from March 9 to July 3, 2023,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Alexa |first=Laurén |date=March 10, 2023 |title=Cast of Upcoming Untitled ''Alien'' Film Revealed |url=https://www.awn.com/news/cast-upcoming-untitled-alien-film-revealed |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230411121541/https://www.awn.com/news/cast-upcoming-untitled-alien-film-revealed |archive-date=April 11, 2023 |access-date=March 28, 2023 |publisher=[[Animation World Network]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=D'Alessandro |first1=Anthony |last2=Kroll |first2=Justin |date=May 2, 2023 |title=How WGA Strike Could Impact Movies Gearing Up For Production |url=https://deadline.com/2023/05/writers-strike-movie-production-impact-delays-gladiator-2-bad-boys-4-1235341085/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230503164934/https://deadline.com/2023/05/writers-strike-movie-production-impact-delays-gladiator-2-bad-boys-4-1235341085/ |archive-date=May 3, 2023 |access-date=May 3, 2023 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dela Paz |first=Maggie |date=July 4, 2023 |title=''Alien: Romulus'' Wraps Production, Director Fede Álvarez Celebrates |url=https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/1302705-alien-romulus-wraps-production-fede-alvarez |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230704163952/https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/1302705-alien-romulus-wraps-production-fede-alvarez |archive-date=July 4, 2023 |access-date=July 4, 2023 |website=[[ComingSoon.net]]}}</ref> utilizing unique locations including a working power plant for the Jackson's Star mining colony.<ref name="productiondesigner" /> [[Production designer]] Naaman Marshall aimed to reinterpret the Alien world while honoring the franchise's legacy, particularly the first two films in the series.<ref name="productiondesigner" /> As such, the ''Romulus'' section of the ''Renaissance'' space station was designed to be reminiscent of the set design seen in the film ''Alien'' and the video game ''Alien: Isolation'', influenced by the original ''Alien'' concept art by [[Ron Cobb]], as well as industrial heavy-lift machinery and vehicles.<ref name="productiondesigner" /> Meanwhile, the more advanced ''Remus'' section was designed to be reminiscent of the production design depicted in the film ''Aliens''.<ref name="productiondesigner" /> Sets were built as enclosed spaces, with the cockpit of the ''Corbelan IV'' hauler built on a [[gimbal]] to simulate flight.<ref name="productiondesigner" />

The film was filmed chronologically and emphasized [[practical effects]], using physical sets and creature designs to enhance realism.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Casio |first=Jerome |date=July 27, 2024 |title=''Alien: Romulus'' Filmed Chronologically, Director Details Practical Xenomorphs & Teases "Many Deaths" |url=https://screenrant.com/alien-romulus-filming-schedule-chronological-practical-xenomorphs-death-director/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240727055345/https://screenrant.com/alien-romulus-filming-schedule-chronological-practical-xenomorphs-death-director/ |archive-date=July 27, 2024 |access-date=August 6, 2024 |website=[[Screen Rant]]}}</ref> This approach focused on creating a tangible, immersive experience, contrasting with the heavier reliance on CGI in modern productions.<ref name="Ringer Big Picture">{{cite web |last=Fennessey |first=Sean |author2=Chris Ryan |title=Alien: Romulus and the Alien Movie Rankings |url=https://www.theringer.com/2024/8/16/24222078/alien-romulus-and-the-alien-movie-rankings |website=[[The Ringer (website)|The Ringer]] |date=August 16, 2024 |access-date=August 23, 2024}}</ref><ref name="Rookeffect2"/> To that end, effects companies [[Legacy Effects]], [[Amalgamated Dynamics|Studio Gillis]], and [[Wētā Workshop]] created the film's practical adult Xenomorphs, chestbursters and facehuggers, respectively,<ref name="Prac1">{{Cite web |first=Roxy |last=Simons|date=August 19, 2024 |title= How the Alien: Romulus Xenomorph was made |url= https://uk.movies.yahoo.com/movies/how-alien-romulus-xenomorph-made-101205247.html?guccounter=1 |access-date=September 19, 2024 |website=[[Yahoo! Movies]] }}</ref><ref name="Prac2">{{Cite web |date=August 14, 2024 |title='Alien: Romulus' Review – An Immersive, Visceral Salute to the Franchise's Greatest Hits |url=https://bloody-disgusting.com/reviews/3825831/alien-romulus-review-fede-alvarezs-immersive-visceral-salute-to-the-franchises-greatest-hits/ |first=Meagan |last=Navarro |access-date=September 19, 2024 |website=[[Bloody Disgusting]] |archive-date=September 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240917125958/https://bloody-disgusting.com/reviews/3825831/alien-romulus-review-fede-alvarezs-immersive-visceral-salute-to-the-franchises-greatest-hits/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Prac3">{{Cite web |date=August 19, 2024 |title=Fede Alvarez Reveals His Inspiration for Alien Film Romulus |url=https://mediaindonesia-com.translate.goog/hiburan/693748/fede-alvarez-ungkap-inspirasinya-untuk-film-alien-romulus?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=wapp#google_vignette |access-date=September 19, 2024 |website=Media Indonesia |language=id |archive-date=August 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240825055509/https://mediaindonesia-com.translate.goog/hiburan/693748/fede-alvarez-ungkap-inspirasinya-untuk-film-alien-romulus?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=wapp#google_vignette |url-status=live }}</ref> and the production would alternate between using [[animatronic]]s, [[rod puppets]] or [[creature suit]]s depending on the amount of movement required for the shot.<ref name="Prac1" /><ref name="aliendesign" /> The Xenomorph was made to more closely resemble [[H. R. Giger]]'s original Alien design from the first film, rather than designs from the sequels.<ref name="aliendesign">{{Cite magazine|date=September 24, 2024|title=Why Alien: Romulus pits the Xenomorph against a younger crew|first=Christian|last=Holub|url=https://ew.com/alien-romulus-director-fede-alvarez-star-cailee-spaeny-tease-new-xenomorph-8642159|access-date=September 19, 2024|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|archive-date=September 10, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240910125846/https://ew.com/alien-romulus-director-fede-alvarez-star-cailee-spaeny-tease-new-xenomorph-8642159|url-status=live}}</ref> However the Xenomorphs' design was altered to feature serrated skin resembling that of a shark, to give the impression that someone could be cut just by touching it.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 14, 2024 |title=Alien: Romulus Is "Science-Fiction War" and Fede Alvarez's Job Was to "Be the War Photographer" |url=https://thekoalition.com/2024/alien-romulus-is-a-science-fiction-war-and-fede-alvarezs-job-to-be-the-war-photographer |url-status=live |first=Dana |last=Abercrombie |access-date=November 25, 2024 |website=thekoalition.com |archive-date=September 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240908173152/https://thekoalition.com/2024/alien-romulus-is-a-science-fiction-war-and-fede-alvarezs-job-to-be-the-war-photographer }}</ref> Filmefex Studios created the [[prosthetic makeup]] for the actors as well as the film's dead bodies, while a sequence showing time lapse security footage of a rat being crushed and regenerated was [[stop motion]] animation created by [[Phil Tippett]].<ref name="LaWeekly">{{Cite web |date=September 5, 2023 |title=BUILDING NIGHTMARES: SHANE MAHAN GIVES A BEHIND-THE-SCENES DIVE INTO THE SPECIAL EFFECTS OF 'ALIEN: ROMULUS' |first=Kalyn |last=Corrigan |url=https://www.laweekly.com/building-nightmares-shane-mahan-gives-a-behind-the-scenes-dive-into-the-special-effects-of-alien-romulus/ |access-date=September 19, 2024 |website=[[LA Weekly]] |archive-date=September 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240918105732/https://www.laweekly.com/building-nightmares-shane-mahan-gives-a-behind-the-scenes-dive-into-the-special-effects-of-alien-romulus/ |url-status=live }}</ref> One notable design element is the pulse rifle, which merges features from the original [[Alien (film)|''Alien'']] flamethrower and the [[Aliens (film)|''Aliens'']] pulse rifle. This hybrid design reflects the film's intent to blend elements from both films, creating something familiar yet new.<ref name="Ringer Big Picture" />

[[Cinematographer]] Galo Olivares shot the film using [[Arri Alexa|Arri Alexa 35]] digital cameras with [[Arri]] Master Prime and Ultra Prime spherical lenses for a 2.39:1 [[widescreen]] aspect ratio.<ref name="lens" /><ref name="arri">{{Cite web |date=March 22, 2024 |title=Trailer for 'Alien Romulus', produced by Ridley Scott and directed by Fede Álvarez |url=https://www.cameraandlightmag.com/noticias/trailer-de-alien-romulus-producida-por-ridley-scott-y-dirigida-por-fede-alvarez/ |access-date=September 25, 2024 |website=cameraandlightmag.com |archive-date=September 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926024323/https://www.cameraandlightmag.com/noticias/trailer-de-alien-romulus-producida-por-ridley-scott-y-dirigida-por-fede-alvarez/ |url-status=live }}</ref> This was chosen to be a visual balance between ''Alien'', which was shot using [[Anamorphic format|anamorphic lenses]] in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio, and ''Aliens'', which was filmed using spherical lenses for a 1.85:1 aspect ratio.<ref name="lens" /> Olivares would begin filming scenes with [[Wide-angle lens|wide angle lenses]], and gradually switch to increasingly [[Long-focus lens|longer lenses]] as scenes became more intense, with a 75mm lens being the longest lens used.<ref name="lens">{{Cite web |date=August 26, 2024 |title=How 'Alien: Romulus' DP Galo Olivares Captured That Gruesome Chestbursting Scene |url=https://variety.com/2024/artisans/news/alien-romulus-cinematographer-galo-olivares-chestbursting-scene-1236117157/ |first=Jazz |last=Tangcay |access-date=September 25, 2024 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |archive-date=September 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240925051015/https://variety.com/2024/artisans/news/alien-romulus-cinematographer-galo-olivares-chestbursting-scene-1236117157/amp/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Álvarez selected an orange hue as the film's defining color, diverging from the blue tones of earlier "Alien" films. This choice aimed to give the film a distinct visual identity while maintaining a connection to the franchise's established aesthetic.<ref name="Ringer Big Picture" />

Álvarez consulted ''Alien'' director [[Ridley Scott]] and ''Aliens'' director [[James Cameron]] during the film's production, who both expressed approval.<ref name="THRInterview" />

===Post-production=== The film's [[computer generated imagery]] was created by effects studios [[Industrial Light and Magic]], Fin Design, [[Image Engine]], [[Tippett Studio]], [[Wētā FX]], Wylie Co., Atomic Arts, and Metaphysic.<ref name="CGI">{{Cite web|date=August 27, 2024|title=Art of VFX: Alien Romulus|url=https://www.artofvfx.com/alien-romulus/|first=Vincent|last=Frei|access-date=October 8, 2024|website=Art of VFX|archive-date=September 7, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240907015150/https://www.artofvfx.com/alien-romulus/|url-status=live}}</ref> Effects supervisor [[Nelson Sepulveda-Fauser]] said that Alvarez's emphasis on tangible elements built out of practical effects meant that "everything else that we needed to build in computer graphics had to work around that, and integrate into photography seamlessly.” For the Xenomorphs themselves, the digital versions were used for actions unfeasible with Legacy Effects's puppets — "we can’t get a practical creature of that size to perform some of the movements required for an action sequence" — with the motions being unsettling while not over-exaggerated, such as the Xenomorphs slowly crawling on walls. While the creature movements tried to mostly be close to the original films, the Facehuggers were faster and more fluid to overcome the technical limitations of the animatronic versions and make the scene more exciting. Two particularly complex effects were Navarro using an x-ray wand to discover a Chestburster, that required a reproduction of the character's internal anatomy, and the acid blood floating in zero gravity.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ilm.com/alien-romulus-sepulveda-fauser-ilm/|title=How ILM Helped Fede Álvarez Bring 'Alien: Romulus' Back to the Series' Horror Roots|date=Nov 21, 2024|publisher=Industrial Light & Magic|author-last1=Brooks|author-first1= Dan|accessdate=April 6, 2025}}</ref>

Visual effects artist [[Ian Hunter (visual effects supervisor)|Ian Hunter]] created [[miniature effects]] for the film, in collaboration with the effects company Pro Machina and its founders Alec Gillis, Camille Balsamo-Gillis, and Reid Collums.<ref name="prommachina">{{Cite web |date=October 27, 2024|title= How miniatures were made on 'Alien: Romulus' |url= https://beforesandafters.com/2024/10/27/how-miniatures-were-made-on-alien-romulus/ |first=Ian|last=Failes|access-date=April 16, 2024 |website=BeforeandAfters}}</ref> This consisted of the spaceship ''Corbelan IV'' and the Weyland-Yutani ''Echo'' probe. These effects would be either filmed directly, or scanned into a computer for CGI modeling.<ref name="productiondesigner" /><ref name="miniature">{{Cite web |date=August 17, 2024|title= Alien: Romulus Tops Alien: Covenant In One Key, Fan-Pleasing Way|url= https://www.slashfilm.com/1643464/alien-romulus-tops-covenant-practical-xenomorphs-better/ |first=BJ|last=Colangelo |access-date=October 8, 2024 |website=[[Slashfilm]]}}</ref><ref name="miniature2">{{Cite web |date=July 21, 2024|title= See one of the miniature ships from 'Alien: Romulus'|url= https://beforesandafters.com/2024/07/21/see-one-of-the-miniature-ships-from-alien-romulus/ |first=Ian|last=Failes|access-date=October 8, 2024 |website=BeforeandAfters}}</ref> Originally the miniatures were only designed to work as visual effect aids; however, the miniatures were eventually built, painted and finished by effects company Studio Gillis and shot in front of full screens and smoke.<ref name="productiondesigner">{{Cite web |date=September 4, 2024 |first=Douglas |last=Jardim |title=Production designer Naaman Marshall adopted "utilitarian" approach for Alien: Romulus |url=https://www.dezeen.com/2024/09/04/alien-romulus-production-design-naaman-marshall/ |access-date=October 8, 2024 |website=[[Dezeen]] |archive-date=September 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240925035700/https://www.dezeen.com/2024/09/04/alien-romulus-production-design-naaman-marshall/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Filming of miniatures took place in [[Los Angeles]] to facilitate the required stage space, crew members and amenities.<ref name="productiondesigner" />

== Music == {{Main|Alien: Romulus (soundtrack){{!}}''Alien: Romulus'' (soundtrack)}} The score was composed by [[Benjamin Wallfisch]].<ref>{{Cite web |author= |date=March 20, 2024 |title=Benjamin Wallfisch Scoring Fede Alvarez's ''Alien: Romulus'' |url=https://filmmusicreporter.com/2024/03/20/benjamin-wallfisch-scoring-fede-alvarezs-alien-romulus/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240415060524/https://filmmusicreporter.com/2024/03/20/benjamin-wallfisch-scoring-fede-alvarezs-alien-romulus/ |archive-date=April 15, 2024 |access-date=March 20, 2024 |website=Film Music Reporter}}</ref> The score features themes and cues from ''Alien'', composed by [[Jerry Goldsmith]]; ''Aliens'', composed by [[James Horner]]; and the tracks 'Life' and 'We Were Right' from ''Prometheus'', composed by [[Harry Gregson-Williams]].<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Gilchrist |first=Todd |date=August 18, 2024 |title=''Alien: Romulus'' Score From Benjamin Wallfisch, Which Pays Homage to Jerry Goldsmith and James Horner, Due on Vinyl in November |url=https://variety.com/2024/artisans/news/alien-romulus-score-benjamin-wallfisch-vinyl-1236106988/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240815161122/https://variety.com/2024/artisans/news/alien-romulus-score-benjamin-wallfisch-vinyl-1236106988/ |archive-date=August 15, 2024 |access-date=August 18, 2024 |magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref> The composition "Entry of the Gods into Valhalla" from [[Richard Wagner]]'s ''[[Das Rheingold]]'', which was briefly featured in ''Alien: Covenant'', is also heard.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bria |first=Bill |date=August 17, 2024 |title=''Alien: Romulus'' Proves That The Entire Series Has Always Been About One Thing |url=https://www.slashfilm.com/1645021/alien-romulus-franchise-theme-dehumanization/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240818084041/https://www.slashfilm.com/1645021/alien-romulus-franchise-theme-dehumanization/ |archive-date=August 18, 2024 |access-date=August 18, 2024 |website=[[/Film]]}}</ref> The [[soundtrack album]] was released by [[Hollywood Records]] on August 16.<ref name="Soundtrack">{{Cite web |author= |date=August 18, 2024 |title='Alien: Romulus' Soundtrack Album Details |url=https://filmmusicreporter.com/2024/08/14/alien-romulus-soundtrack-album-details/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240814170633/https://filmmusicreporter.com/2024/08/14/alien-romulus-soundtrack-album-details/ |archive-date=August 14, 2024 |access-date=August 18, 2024 |website=Film Music Reporter}}</ref> A [[Vinyl recording|vinyl]] edition of the soundtrack, featuring six [[bonus tracks]], was released on November 15, 2024.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Cremona |first=Patrick |date=August 16, 2024 |title=''Alien: Romulus'' soundtrack and score – What music features in the new film? |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/movies/scifi/alien-romulus-soundtrack/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817020450/https://www.radiotimes.com/movies/scifi/alien-romulus-soundtrack/ |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |access-date=August 18, 2024 |magazine=[[Radio Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2024/artisans/news/alien-romulus-score-benjamin-wallfisch-vinyl-1236106988/|title='Alien: Romulus' Score From Benjamin Wallfisch, Which Pays Homage to Jerry Goldsmith and James Horner, Due on Vinyl in November|first=Todd|last=Gilchrist|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=August 15, 2024|accessdate=November 23, 2024|archive-date=August 15, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240815161122/https://variety.com/2024/artisans/news/alien-romulus-score-benjamin-wallfisch-vinyl-1236106988/|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Marketing == [[File:Xenomorph.jpg|thumb|upright|A promotional display for the film featuring a [[xenomorph]]]] After early reviews found the third act to be divisive, Disney promptly created digital ads to generate buzz by urging audiences to watch the movie before hearing spoilers about the ending. The marketing was reliant on the legacy of the ''Alien'' brand, with the first trailer on March 20 amassing nearly 50 million views in 24 hours. Cinema partnerships offered customized food, beverage items, and life-size xenomorph statues, which were widely shared on social media. These products also included a popcorn bucket, part of a trend after ''[[Dune: Part Two]]'' (see [[Dune: Part Two#Popcorn bucket meme|popcorn bucket meme]]) and ''[[Deadpool & Wolverine]]'' earlier in the year. The campaign also extended across Disney's platforms, with takeovers on [[ESPN SportsCenter|ESPN ''SportsCenter'']], ''Alien'' marathons on [[FX (TV channel)|FX]], and prominent placement on Hulu and [[Disney+]]. Promotional tie-ins included limited edition [[Reebok]] x ''Aliens'' shoes, ''Alien''-themed beer from Angel City Brewery, and cosmetics from Phoenix Rising. Additionally, the franchise offered consumer products and hosted a partnership with the video game ''[[Dead by Daylight]]'', which featured a new character tied to the film's release. Marketing efforts capitalized on the franchise's legacy, according to ''[[Deadline Hollywood]]'', with 52% of audiences polled by Screen Engine and Comscore PostTrak citing their love for the series as the main reason for watching the movie on opening weekend.<ref name="Opening"/>

== Release == ===Theatrical=== ''Alien: Romulus'' was originally intended to be released directly on [[Hulu]],<ref name="Hulu" /> but [[Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures]] moved the film to a theatrical release shortly before filming commenced.<ref name="THRInterview" /><ref name="Streak">{{Cite magazine |last=Rubin |first=Rebecca |date=August 17, 2024 |title=Will ''Alien: Romulus'' Continue Disney's Summer Box Office Streak? |url=https://variety.com/2024/film/news/alien-romulus-disney-summer-box-office-streak-1236105169/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240813211723/https://variety.com/2024/film/news/alien-romulus-disney-summer-box-office-streak-1236105169/ |archive-date=August 13, 2024 |access-date=August 13, 2024 |magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref> The film held its world premiere in Los Angeles on August 12, 2024,<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Chuba |first=Kirsten |date=August 13, 2024 |title=Ridley Scott Was "Hugely Relieved" When First Watching ''Alien: Romulus'', but Gave Notes That Made Fede Álvarez "Punch the Door" |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/ridley-scott-alien-romulus-notes-fede-alvarez-1235972827/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240813175327/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/ridley-scott-alien-romulus-notes-fede-alvarez-1235972827/ |archive-date=August 13, 2024 |access-date=August 17, 2024 |magazine=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref> and its UK premiere at the 77th [[Edinburgh International Film Festival]] on August 15, 2024. It was released by [[20th Century Studios]] in the United States and United Kingdom the following day, on August 16, 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Goodfellow |first=Melanie |date=July 1, 2024 |title=Fede Alvarez's ''Alien: Romulus'' To Make UK Premiere at Edinburgh International Film Festival |url=https://deadline.com/2024/07/fede-alvarez-alien-romulus-uk-premiere-edinburgh-international-film-festival-1235998360/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240701123312/https://deadline.com/2024/07/fede-alvarez-alien-romulus-uk-premiere-edinburgh-international-film-festival-1235998360/ |archive-date=July 1, 2024 |access-date=July 1, 2024 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref>

===Home media=== ''Alien: Romulus'' was released through [[Digital distribution|digital download]] on October 15, 2024, and was released on [[Ultra HD Blu-ray]], [[Blu-ray]], and [[DVD-Video|DVD]] on December 3, by [[Sony Pictures Home Entertainment]]. The Blu-ray versions include deleted scenes and behind-the-scenes featurettes.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Klein |first=Brennan |date=September 26, 2024 |title=Alien: Romulus Digital & Blu-Ray Release Dates Revealed |url=https://screenrant.com/alien-romulus-movie-vod-digital-bluray-release-date/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926145216/https://screenrant.com/alien-romulus-movie-vod-digital-bluray-release-date/ |archive-date=September 26, 2024 |access-date=October 28, 2024 |website=[[Screen Rant]]}}</ref> The film also received a limited release on [[VHS]] on the same date, making it the first installment in the series to receive an official release on the format since ''[[Alien vs. Predator (film)|Alien vs. Predator]]'' (2004), as well as the first major Hollywood film to do so since 2006.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Squires |first=John |date=October 20, 2024 |title='Alien: Romulus' Getting an Official VHS Release from 20th Century Studios! |url=https://bloody-disgusting.com/home-video/3836321/alien-romulus-getting-an-official-vhs-release/ |access-date=October 28, 2024 |website=[[Bloody Disgusting]] |language=en-US |archive-date=November 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241121041516/https://bloody-disgusting.com/home-video/3836321/alien-romulus-getting-an-official-vhs-release/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In the United States, following its premium digital release on October 15, ''Alien: Romulus'' ranked No. 7 on [[iTunes]] and No. 5 on [[Fandango at Home]]'s weekly digital sales and rental chart for the week ending October 28.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brueggemann |first=Tom |date=2024-10-28 |title='Beetlejuice Beetlejuice' and 'Transformers One' Share Top VOD Spots, Netflix Original 'Don't Move' Scores |url=https://www.indiewire.com/news/box-office/beetlejuice-beetlejuice-dont-move-score-vod-netflix-1235060623/ |access-date=2025-03-15 |website=[[IndieWire]] |language=en-US}}</ref> On physical media, the film ranked No. 1 on [[Circana]]'s VideoScan combined DVD and Blu-ray Disc sales chart, as well as the dedicated Blu-ray Disc sales chart, for the week ending December 7. High-definition formats accounted for 72% of first-week unit sales, including 27% from standard Blu-ray and 45% from 4K Ultra HD. The film also ranked No. 1 on the 4K Ultra HD disc sales chart.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Latchem |first=John |date=2024-12-14 |title='Alien: Romulus' Debuts at No. 1 on Disc Sales Charts |url=https://www.mediaplaynews.com/alien-romulus-debuts-at-no-1-on-disc-sales-charts/ |access-date=2026-01-18 |website=[[Media Play News]] |language=en-US}}</ref> The film retained its No. 1 position on the VideoScan combined sales chart for the week ending December 14 and also remained No. 1 on the 4K disc chart.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Latchem |first=John |date=December 20, 2024 |title='Alien: Romulus' Retains No. 1 Spot on Disc Sales Charts |url=https://www.mediaplaynews.com/alien-romulus-retains-no-1-spot-on-disc-sales-charts/ |access-date=March 15, 2025 |website=[[Media Play News]]}}</ref> For December 2024, ''Alien: Romulus'' placed No. 1 on Circana's Top 10 physical media titles list.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Latchem |first=John |date=2025-01-16 |title='Alien: Romulus' Led December Disc Sales; 'Deadpool & Wolverine' Finishes 2024 as Year's No. 1 Seller |url=https://www.mediaplaynews.com/alien-romulus-led-december-disc-sales-deadpool-and-wolverine-finishes-2024-as-years-no-1-seller/ |access-date=2026-01-18 |website=[[Media Play News]] |language=en-US}}</ref> For the year, the film ranked twenty-third on Circana VideoScan’s Top Selling Titles on Disc (DVD and Blu-ray combined) of 2024. It achieved a sales index of 24.61, with Blu-ray formats accounting for 68 percent of total unit sales, including a 37% share from 4K Ultra HD. The film also placed twelfth on the Top Selling Blu-ray Discs of 2024 and fifth on the Top Selling 4K Ultra HD Blu-rays of 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2024 Top-Selling Titles on Disc |url=https://www.mediaplaynews.com/research/2024-top-selling-titles-on-disc/ |access-date=2026-01-18 |website=[[Media Play News]] |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2025, ''Alien: Romulus'' ranked forty-ninth on Circana VideoScan's Top Selling Titles on Disc. The film recorded a sales index of 14.37 relative to the year's top-selling title. Blu-ray formats accounted for 68% of total unit sales, including a 36% share from 4K Ultra HD.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2025 Top-Selling Titles on Disc |url=https://www.mediaplaynews.com/research/2025-top-selling-titles-on-disc/ |access-date=2026-01-18 |website=[[Media Play News]] |language=en-US}}</ref>

[[Nielsen Media Research]], which records streaming viewership on U.S. television screens, reported that ''Alien: Romulus'' was watched for 325 million minutes from November 18—24, 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gruenwedel |first=Erik |date=December 19, 2024 |title=Nielsen: Prime Video Drama 'Cross' Maintains Weekly Household TV Streaming No. 1 Through Nov. 24 |url=https://www.mediaplaynews.com/nielsen-prime-video-drama-cross-maintains-weekly-household-tv-streaming-no-1-through-nov-24/ |access-date=January 27, 2024 |website=[[Media Play News]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Porter |first=Rick |date=2024-12-19 |title=Streaming Ratings: 'A Man on the Inside,' 'Landman' Have Solid Debuts |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/streaming-ratings-nov-18-24-2024-1236091101/ |access-date=2025-01-27 |website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |language=en-US}}</ref> The streaming aggregator Reelgood, which tracks real-time data from 20 million U.S. users for original and acquired content across SVOD and AVOD services, calculated that it ranked as the third most-streamed program between November 21—27.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Northrup |first=Ryan |date=2024-12-02 |title=Alien Sequel Finds Streaming Success After $350 Million Box Office Haul |url=https://screenrant.com/alien-romulus-hulu-streaming-charts/ |access-date=2025-01-27 |website=[[Screen Rant]] |language=en |archive-date=December 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241204195932/https://screenrant.com/alien-romulus-hulu-streaming-charts/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[JustWatch]], a guide to streaming content with access to data from more than 20 million users around the world, announced that ''Alien: Romulus'' was the tenth most-streamed horror film in Canada during the Halloween period between October 1, 2022, and October 13, 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Renfrew |first=Matthew |date=2025-11-03 |title=The Top 10 horror movies and TV shows streaming in Canada |url=https://cultmtl.com/2025/11/the-top-most-popular-horror-movies-and-tv-shows-series-streaming-in-canada-this-halloween/ |access-date=2025-12-18 |website=[[Cult MTL]] |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Reception == === Box office === ''Alien: Romulus'' grossed $105.3 million in the United States and Canada, and $245.5 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $350.9 million.<ref name="BOM" /><ref name="NUM" /> The film made $40 million from global IMAX, making it the highest-grossing horror film in the format.<ref>{{cite web|work=[[Deadline Hollywood|Deadline]]|title='Moana 2' & 'Mufasa: The Lion King' Will Play In Imax|first=Anthony|last=D'Alessandro|url=https://deadline.com/2024/09/moana-2-mufasa-the-lion-king-imax-box-office-1236094108/|date=September 19, 2024|access-date=September 19, 2024|archive-date=September 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919155908/https://deadline.com/2024/09/moana-2-mufasa-the-lion-king-imax-box-office-1236094108/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://collider.com/alien-romulus-imax-box-office-highest-grossing-horror-movie/|title='Alien: Romulus' Just Broke an All-Time IMAX Box Office Record|first=Chris|last=McPherson|work=[[Collider (website)|Collider]]|date=September 19, 2024|accessdate=November 23, 2024|archive-date=September 21, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240921063831/https://collider.com/alien-romulus-imax-box-office-highest-grossing-horror-movie/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In the United States and Canada, ''Alien: Romulus'' was projected to gross $28–40 million in its opening weekend, with some estimates going as high as $45–55 million.<ref name="Streak" /><ref>{{Cite web |last1=D'Alessandro |first1=Anthony |last2=Tartaglione |first2=Nancy |date=August 14, 2024 |title=Summer Isn't Over: Here Comes ''Alien: Romulus'', Set To Gobble Up $75M Around The World – Box Office Preview |url=https://deadline.com/2024/08/alien-romulus-box-office-preview-1236040511/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240814205037/https://deadline.com/2024/08/alien-romulus-box-office-preview-1236040511/ |archive-date=August 14, 2024 |access-date=August 14, 2024 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood|Deadline]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=August 14, 2024 |title=Weekend Preview: ''Alien: Romulus'' Aims to Topple ''Deadpool & Wolverine''? |url=https://www.boxofficepro.com/weekend-preview-alien-romulus-aims-to-topple-deadpool-wolverine/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240815003532/https://www.boxofficepro.com/weekend-preview-alien-romulus-aims-to-topple-deadpool-wolverine/ |archive-date=August 15, 2024 |access-date=August 14, 2024 |website=[[Boxoffice Pro]]}}</ref> The film made $18 million on its first day, including $6.5 million from Thursday night previews.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=McClintock |first=Pamela |date=August 16, 2024 |title=Box Office: ''Alien: Romulus'' Bares Sharp Teeth With $6.5M in Thursday Previews |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/alien-romulus-box-office-previews-1235976872/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816155725/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/alien-romulus-box-office-previews-1235976872/ |archive-date=August 16, 2024 |access-date=August 16, 2024 |magazine=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref> It went on to debut to $42 million, topping the box office.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/weekend/2024W33/|title=Domestic 2024 Weekend 33|website=[[Box Office Mojo]]|access-date=August 20, 2024|archive-date=September 6, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240906135425/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/weekend/2024W33/|url-status=live}}</ref> The three-day opening included an estimated 2.7 million admissions and was the second-highest for the franchise and a record for director Fede Álvarez (beating the $26.4 million earned by 2016's ''[[Don't Breathe]]'') and actress Cailee Spaeny (surpassing the $28.1 million earned by 2018's ''[[Pacific Rim Uprising]]''). When asked about the biggest factors in watching the film, audiences polled by PostTrak listed the in-theater trailer (21%), online trailer (13%), and [[Word-of-mouth marketing|word of mouth]] (13%).<ref name="Opening">{{Cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=August 18, 2024 |url=https://deadline.com/2024/08/box-office-alien-romulus-1236042166/ |title=''Alien: Romulus'' $41M+ Scores Record Openings For Fede Alvarez & Cailee Spaeny; 2nd Best For Franchise – Sunday Box Office Update |access-date=August 19, 2024 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood|Deadline]] |archive-date=August 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816144325/https://deadline.com/2024/08/box-office-alien-romulus-1236042166/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In its second weekend, the film made $16.4 million, a drop of 61%, finishing behind holdover ''[[Deadpool & Wolverine]]''.<ref name="Deadline-Aug25"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/weekend/2024W34/|title=Domestic 2024 Weekend 34|website=[[Box Office Mojo]]|access-date=August 26, 2024|archive-date=August 25, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240825195058/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/weekend/2024W34/|url-status=live}}</ref> In just two weekends, the film became the second highest-grossing horror film in IMAX with $31.2 million, only behind ''Prometheus'' ($31.8 million).<ref name="Deadline-Aug25">{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2024/08/box-office-blink-twice-channing-tatum-the-crow-alien-1236048699|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240823145927/https://deadline.com/2024/08/box-office-blink-twice-channing-tatum-the-crow-alien-1236048699/|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 23, 2024|title='Deadpool & Wolverine' Pulling Feathers Off 'The Crow' & Putting 'Blink Twice' To Sleep As Summer Winds Down – Sunday AM Box Office|last=D'Alessandro|first=Anthony|work=[[Deadline Hollywood|Deadline]]|date=August 25, 2024|access-date=August 25, 2024}}</ref>

Outside the United States and Canada, the film made $68.1 million from international markets in its opening weekend for a global $110.1 million debut, which ''[[The New York Times]]'' listed as a success.<ref name="The New York Times Alien Romulus">{{cite news |last=Barnes |first=Brooks |title=''Alien: Romulus'' Solidifies Disney's Box Office Rebound |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/18/business/media/alien-romulus-disney-box-office.html |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |date=August 18, 2024 |access-date=August 18, 2024}}</ref> Its international gross included $25.7 million from China, which ''[[Deadline Hollywood]]'' called an "over-performance".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2024/08/alien-romulus-china-global-international-box-office-1236042797/ |title=''Alien: Romulus'' Sinks Teeth Into $108M+ Global Debut, Aided By Unexpected China Burst – International Box Office |date=August 18, 2024 |first=Nancy |last=Tartaglione |website=[[Deadline Hollywood|Deadline]] |access-date=August 19, 2024 }}</ref> It was the second highest-grossing Hollywood film in China of the year with $110 million, behind ''[[Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire]].''<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl3791749121/weekend/ | title=Alien: Romulus | work=[[Box Office Mojo]] | accessdate=November 23, 2024 | archive-date=September 15, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240915230750/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl3791749121/weekend/ | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Deadline-Aug25"/><ref>{{cite web |date=29 August 2024 |last1=Rubin |first1=Rebecca |last2=Frater |first2=Patrick |title=China Has Been Ignoring Hollywood Movies. Why 'Alien: Romulus' Is an Exception |url=https://variety.com/2024/film/news/alien-romulus-china-box-office-success-1236121350/ |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |quote=box office analysts are impressed the movie was permitted to play in China at all. |access-date=September 2, 2024 |archive-date=September 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240905192736/https://variety.com/2024/film/news/alien-romulus-china-box-office-success-1236121350/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Critical response === ''Alien: Romulus'' received positive reviews from critics.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Murphy |first=J. Kim |date=August 17, 2024|title=Box Office: 'Alien: Romulus' Hatches $18 Million Opening Day |url=https://variety.com/2024/film/box-office/alien-romulus-opening-day-1236109715/ |access-date=August 19, 2024 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Cremona |first=Patrick |date=August 15, 2024 |title=''Alien: Romulus'' director on fighting Ridley Scott's notes: "It's intimidating" |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/movies/scifi/alien-romulus-director-ridley-scott-notes-intimidating-exclusive-newsupdate/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240815193917/https://www.radiotimes.com/movies/scifi/alien-romulus-director-ridley-scott-notes-intimidating-exclusive-newsupdate/ |archive-date=August 15, 2024 |access-date=August 15, 2024 |magazine=[[Radio Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Barnes |first=Brooks |date=August 18, 2024 |title='Alien: Romulus' Solidifies Disney's Box Office Rebound |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/18/business/media/alien-romulus-disney-box-office.html |access-date=August 19, 2024|work=[[The New York Times]] |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2024/film/news/alien-romulus-first-reactions-best-movie-franchise-1236103817/|title='Alien: Romulus' First Reactions Highlight the Film's 'Glorious Gore' and 'Incredible Creature Design': 'Pays Perfect Homage to the Original'|first=Zack|last=Sharf|website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=August 12, 2024|accessdate=October 24, 2024|archive-date=August 28, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240828000752/https://variety.com/2024/film/news/alien-romulus-first-reactions-best-movie-franchise-1236103817/|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[review aggregator]] website [[Rotten Tomatoes]] reported that critics praised the film's "striking visuals and claustrophobic terror with gory action and a formidable lead performance from Cailee Spaeny", calling it "arguably the best installment since ''Aliens''".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Campbell |first=Christopher |date=August 14, 2024 |title=''Alien: Romulus'' First Reviews: The Best in the Franchise Since Aliens |url=https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/article/alien-romulus-first-reviews-the-best-in-the-franchise-since-aliens/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240814214312/https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/article/alien-romulus-first-reviews-the-best-in-the-franchise-since-aliens/ |archive-date=August 14, 2024 |access-date=August 15, 2024 |publisher=[[Rotten Tomatoes]]}}</ref> On the website, 80% of 392 critics gave the film a positive review, with an average rating of 6.9/10. Its critics consensus reads: "Honoring its nightmarish predecessors while chestbursting at the seams with new frights of its own, ''Romulus'' injects some fresh acid blood into one of cinema's great horror franchises."<ref>{{Cite Rotten Tomatoes |title=Alien: Romulus |id=alien_romulus |type=m |access-date=January 16, 2025}}{{cbignore}}</ref> According to [[Metacritic]], the film received "generally favorable" reviews based on a [[weighted average]] score of 64 out of 100 from 57 critics.<ref>{{Cite Metacritic |title=Alien: Romulus |id=alien-romulus |type=movie |access-date=August 15, 2024}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Audiences polled by [[CinemaScore]] gave the film an average grade of "B+" on an A+ to F scale, while those surveyed by [[PostTrak]] gave it an 82% positive score, with 65% saying they would definitely recommend it.<ref name="Opening" />

[[Jordan Hoffman]] of ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' praised the film's direction, design, and writing, calling it "impressive, however, especially in how it looks like a new movie but is [[wikt:simpatico|simpatico]] with the tech of the 1979 original" and deemed Spaeny "the finest weapon in the arsenal... differentiating herself quite a bit from the doe-eyed characters she played in ''[[Civil War (film)|Civil War]]'' and ''[[Priscilla (film)|Priscilla]]''. Her petite nature may not scream action hero, but, as has long been established, in space, no one can hear you scream anyway."<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Hoffman |first=Jordan |authorlink=Jordan Hoffman|date=August 14, 2024 |title=''Alien: Romulus'' launches Cailee Spaeny into winning gross-out orbit |url=https://ew.com/alien-romulus-review-cailee-spaeny-launches-winning-gross-out-orbit-8694798 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240814210713/https://ew.com/alien-romulus-review-cailee-spaeny-launches-winning-gross-out-orbit-8694798 |archive-date=August 14, 2024 |access-date=August 17, 2024 |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]}}</ref> [[Owen Gleiberman]] of ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' called ''Alien: Romulus'' "one of the best ''Alien'' sequels... It delivers the slimy creep-out goods in a way that none of the last three ''Alien'' films have." He further wrote that "Spaeny, with her clear eyes and serene resolve, makes her presence felt as Rain, the closest equivalent here to the fearless Ripley."<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Gleiberman |first=Owen |authorlink=Owen Gleiberman|date=August 14, 2024 |title=''Alien: Romulus'' Review: The Primal Shock and Awe Is Gone, but It's a Good Video-Game Horror Ride |url=https://variety.com/2024/film/reviews/alien-romulus-review-cailee-spaeny-1236105617/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240814204232/https://variety.com/2024/film/reviews/alien-romulus-review-cailee-spaeny-1236105617/ |archive-date=August 14, 2024 |access-date=August 17, 2024 |magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref>

James Mottram, in a five star review for ''[[NME]]'', described the film as "thrilling and scary" and coming "close to the brilliance of Ridley Scott and James Cameron". He praised the production design, digital work, practical and visual effects and the score. Mottram described the performance of Jonsson as Andy as a "stand-out"<ref name="NME">{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/film-reviews/alien-romulus-review-3783797|title='Alien: Romulus' review: chest-bursting reboot is as thrilling and scary as the original|first=James|last=Mottram|website=[[NME]]|date=August 14, 2024|accessdate=October 24, 2024|archive-date=September 27, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240927225231/https://www.nme.com/reviews/film-reviews/alien-romulus-review-3783797|url-status=live}}</ref> a view shared by Clarisse Loughrey writing for ''[[The Independent]]''.<ref name="Indreview">{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/reviews/alien-romulus-review-b2596312.html|title=Alien: Romulus review – A semi-great sequel that becomes absurd and ethically problematic|first=Clarisse|last=Loughrey|work=[[The Independent]]|date=August 14, 2024|accessdate=October 24, 2024|archive-date=November 9, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241109184430/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/reviews/alien-romulus-review-b2596312.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Mick LaSalle]] of the ''[[San Francisco Chronicle]]'' criticized the film, writing: "The first 45 minutes are boring beyond description. [...] The script has the aliens waking up and falling asleep at the convenience of the screenwriters, not in a way that makes consistent sense. [...] The foundational mistake came when someone said, 'Hey, let's make another ''Alien'' movie.' News flash: The alien concept is dead. Leave it alone, and leave poor Ian Holm out of it."<ref>{{Cite news |last=LaSalle |first=Mick |authorlink=Mick LaSalle|title=Review: ''Alien: Romulus'' is boring sci-fi tied to a dead concept |url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/entertainment/article/alien-romulus-cailee-spaeny-19651912.php |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240814210627/https://www.sfchronicle.com/entertainment/article/alien-romulus-cailee-spaeny-19651912.php |archive-date=August 14, 2024 |access-date=August 16, 2024 |newspaper=[[San Francisco Chronicle]] |issn=1932-8672}}</ref> David Ehrlich of ''[[Indiewire]]'' wrote: "The director would rather torture his cast than develop their characters. There's nothing inherently wrong with that trade-off, but Álvarez doesn't satisfy the first half of the equation well enough to justify his disregard for the second. High on jolts [...] and low on more probing scares, ''Romulus'' isn't nearly inventive enough to forefront its slaughter at the expense of its soul."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/movies/alien-romulus-review-1235036242/|title='Alien: Romulus' Review: Fede Álvarez's Back-to-Basics Sequel Is the Summer's Biggest Letdown|first=David|last= Ehrlich|work=[[Indiewire]]|date=14 August 2024|accessdate=22 August 2024}}</ref> [[Bilge Ebiri]], writing for [[Vulture (website)|Vulture]], expressed disappointment in the film's lessened ambition in comparison with other installments, stating that it is "a film engineered mostly to provide some basic genre thrills and keep the IP alive so that the now-Disney-owned Fox can generate more ''Alien'' movies.... ''Alien: Romulus'' is diverting enough, but it's also instantly forgettable—something I don't think I've ever said about any other ''Alien'' film, good or bad."<ref>{{cite news|last=Ebiri|first=Bilge|author-link=Bilge Ebiri|title=''Alien: Romulus'' Gets the Job Done, But at What Cost?|url=https://www.vulture.com/article/review-alien-romulus-gets-the-job-done-but-at-what-cost.html|access-date=August 27, 2024|work=[[Vulture (website)|Vulture]]|publisher=[[Vox Media]]|date=August 16, 2024|archive-date=August 27, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240827121403/https://www.vulture.com/article/review-alien-romulus-gets-the-job-done-but-at-what-cost.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Response to Rook's likeness of Ian Holm ==== [[File:Ian Holm (cropped).jpg|thumb|The decision to use the likeness of the deceased [[Ian Holm]] for the character of Rook was widely criticized.]] The decision to digitally add the late Ian Holm for the character of Rook was widely criticized.<ref name="LATIMES">{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2024-08-19/fede-alvarez-ridley-scott-resurrected-ian-holm-ai-alien-romulus-interview#:~:text=A%20familiar%20face%20appears%20unexpectedly,already%20sparked%20impassioned%20online%20reactions.|title=The makers of 'Alien: Romulus' defend their AI-resurrected Ian Holm: 'We did it all with a lot of respect'|first=Carlos|last=Aguilar|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=19 August 2024|accessdate=22 August 2024|archive-date=August 22, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240822223210/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2024-08-19/fede-alvarez-ridley-scott-resurrected-ian-holm-ai-alien-romulus-interview#:~:text=A%20familiar%20face%20appears%20unexpectedly,already%20sparked%20impassioned%20online%20reactions.|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="bbcnb">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20240820-why-people-are-upset-about-the-surprise-cameo-in-alien-romulus|title=Alien: Romulus – Why people are so upset about its surprise cameo|first=Nicholas|last=Barber|work=[[BBC]]|date=20 August 2024|accessdate=22 August 2024|archive-date=August 22, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240822223210/https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20240820-why-people-are-upset-about-the-surprise-cameo-in-alien-romulus|url-status=live}}</ref> Wendy Ide of ''[[The Guardian]]'' called it "a queasily misguided choice" that was "ghoulish, exploitative, disrespectful and unnecessary".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/article/2024/aug/18/alien-romulus-review-thrillingly-gruesome-new-instalment-gets-a-shot-of-young-blood|title=Alien: Romulus review – thrillingly gruesome new instalment gets a shot of young blood|first=Wendy|last=Ide|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=18 August 2024|accessdate=21 August 2024}}</ref> In ''[[Slate (magazine)|Slate]]'', Sam Adams asked, "Why let the dead rest when there's IP [intellectual property] to be mined?" He went on to compare the film's studio to the franchise's villainous Weyland-Yutani corporation, in that it's "a massive conglomerate that puts profit ahead of respect for human lives".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://slate.com/culture/2024/08/alien-romulus-movie-reviews-twist-explained.html|title=The Big Surprise in Alien: Romulus May Make You Wish for Quick Death by Xenomorph|first=Sam|last=Adams|work=[[Slate (magazine)|Slate]]|date=15 August 2024|accessdate=22 August 2024|archive-date=August 22, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240822223210/https://slate.com/culture/2024/08/alien-romulus-movie-reviews-twist-explained.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Loughrey called it "ethically problematic" and "cinematic necromancy"<ref name="Indreview"/> while Jesse Schedeen for ''[[IGN]]'' called it an "unforced error" that was "distractingly bad and completely unnecessary" and which almost ruined the movie.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/alien-romulus-surprise-cameo-is-ugly-and-unnecessary|title=Alien: Romulus' Surprise Cameo Is Ugly and Unnecessary|first=Jesse|last=Schedeen|work=[[IGN]]|date=16 August 2024|accessdate=22 August 2024|archive-date=August 22, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240822225209/https://www.ign.com/articles/alien-romulus-surprise-cameo-is-ugly-and-unnecessary|url-status=live}}</ref> Similarly, ''[[SlashFilm]]'' reviewer Chris Evangelista wrote, "It's distracting and weird. It never, ever looks real [...] The simple truth here is that not only does this look bad, it's a bad idea all around".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.slashfilm.com/1642776/ian-holm-alien-romulus-digital-recreation/|title=The Most Controversial Moment In Alien: Romulus Repeats An Infamous Star Wars Mistake|first=Chris|last=Evangelista|work=[[SlashFilm]]|date=15 August 2024|accessdate=22 August 2024|archive-date=August 22, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240822223210/https://www.slashfilm.com/1642776/ian-holm-alien-romulus-digital-recreation/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'' critic Tim Robey commented, "One thing I never thought I'd complain about in 2024 was a film having too much Ian Holm in it".<ref name="bbcnb"/>

In response to the backlash, Álvarez compared the use of CGI to recreate Ian Holm's likeness to other actors' wearing prosthetics to portray historical figures, such as [[Gary Oldman]] as [[Winston Churchill]] in ''[[Darkest Hour (film)|Darkest Hour]]'': "I don't think Churchill wanted that, and I think that's worse, because that is them pretending to be them... This is not me pretending it's Ian Holm... It's just the makeup that makes it look like him."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/632-ft-colman-domingo-elliot-page-dominic-savage-fede/id507987292?i=1000667416197|title=#632 ft. Colman Domingo, Elliot Page & Dominic Savage, Fede Alvarez|website=podcasts.apple.com|access-date=1 September 2024|archive-date=1 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240901214543/https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/632-ft-colman-domingo-elliot-page-dominic-savage-fede/id507987292?i=1000667416197|url-status=live}}</ref> Álvarez told the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' that he had obtained permission from Holm's family, and stated it had been done to honor Holm's role in the franchise.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Aguilar |first=Carlos |date=2024-08-19 |title=The makers of 'Alien: Romulus' defend their AI-resurrected Ian Holm: 'We did it all with a lot of respect' |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2024-08-19/fede-alvarez-ridley-scott-resurrected-ian-holm-ai-alien-romulus-interview |access-date=2025-10-04 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Landymore |first=Frank |date=2024-08-20 |title="Alien: Romulus" Used AI to Bring Back Dead Actor |url=https://futurism.com/the-byte/alien-romulus-ai-dead-actor |access-date=2025-10-04 |website=[[Futurism (website)|Futurism]] |language=en-US}}</ref> Reviewer James Mottram praised the digital inclusion, saying that it "works well, both technically and narratively."<ref name="NME"/>

The visual effects used to recreate Holm, which were incomplete for the theatrical release due to time constraints in post-production, were updated and fixed for the home video release. Álvarez said, "I convinced the studio we need to spend the money and make sure we give the companies that were involved in making it the proper time to finish it and do it right. It's so much better."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/alien-romulus-fixed-ian-holm-cgi-home-release/|title=Alien: Romulus 'Fixed' The Controversial Ian Holm CGI For Home Release: 'It's So Much Better'|first=Ben|last=Travis|work=[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]]|date=January 10, 2025|accessdate=January 15, 2025|archive-date=January 15, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250115011511/https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/alien-romulus-fixed-ian-holm-cgi-home-release/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sharf |first=Zack |date=January 10, 2025 |title='Alien: Romulus' Director Fixed CGI Ian Holm for Home Release After 'We Ran Out of Time to Get it Right' for Theaters: 'I Convinced the Studio to Spend the Money' |url=https://variety.com/2025/film/news/alien-romulus-director-fixed-cgi-ian-holm-home-release-1236271785/ |access-date=January 11, 2025 |website=Variety |language=en-US |archive-date=January 11, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250111064813/https://variety.com/2025/film/news/alien-romulus-director-fixed-cgi-ian-holm-home-release-1236271785/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Accolades === {{see also|List of accolades received by the Alien film series{{!}}List of accolades received by the ''Alien'' film series}} {| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" |- ! scope="col"| Award ! scope="col"| Date of ceremony ! scope="col"| Category ! scope="col"| Recipient(s) ! scope="col"| Result ! scope="col" class="unsortable"| {{Abbr|Ref.|References}} |- ! scope="row"| [[The Astra Awards|Astra Midseason Movie Awards]] | [[7th Astra Midseason Movie Awards|July 3, 2024]] | Most Anticipated Movie | ''Alien: Romulus'' | {{nom}} | align="center"| <ref>{{cite press release |url=https://theastras.com/2024-astra-midseason-awards-nominees/ |title=Hollywood Creative Alliance Announces the Nominees for the 2024 Astra Midseason Movie Awards |publisher=[[The Astra Awards|The Astras]] |date=July 1, 2024 |access-date=December 22, 2024 |archive-date=October 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241005202125/https://theastras.com/2024-astra-midseason-awards-nominees/ |url-status=live}}</ref> |- ! rowspan="2" scope="row"| [[Hollywood Professional Association|Hollywood Professional Association Awards]] | rowspan="2"| November 7, 2024 | [[HPA Award for Outstanding Visual Effects – Feature Film|Outstanding Visual Effects – Live Action Theatrical Feature]] | Ale Melendez, Steven Denyer, Sebastian Ravagnani, Nicolas Caillier, and Nelson Sepúlveda | {{nom}} | rowspan="2" align="center"| <ref>{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2024/film/news/hpa-awards-2024-nominations-dune-inside-out-2-creator-1236166065/ |title='Dune: Part Two', 'Inside Out 2', and 'The Creator' Lead HPA Awards Feature Nominations |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |date=October 3, 2024 |access-date=December 22, 2024 |archive-date=October 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004024744/https://variety.com/2024/film/news/hpa-awards-2024-nominations-dune-inside-out-2-creator-1236166065/ |url-status=live}}</ref> |- | [[HPA Award for Outstanding Sound – Feature Film|Outstanding Sound – Theatrical Feature]] | David V. Butler, [[Mark Paterson (sound engineer)|Mark Paterson]], Polly McKinnon, Chris Terhune, Will Files, and Lee Gilmore | {{nom}} |- ! scope="row"| [[The Astra Awards|Astra Film and Creative Arts Awards]] | [[8th Astra Film Awards|December 8, 2024]] | Best Horror or Thriller Feature | rowspan="4"| ''Alien: Romulus'' | {{nom}} | align="center"| <ref>{{cite press release |url=https://theastras.com/2024-astra-film-creative-arts-awards-nominations-have-arrived/ |title=2024 Astra Film & Creative Arts Awards Nominations Have Arrived |publisher=[[The Astra Awards|The Astras]] |date=November 25, 2024 |access-date=December 22, 2024 |archive-date=December 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203114407/https://theastras.com/2024-astra-film-creative-arts-awards-nominations-have-arrived/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |- ! rowspan="3" scope="row"| [[San Diego Film Critics Society]] | rowspan="3"| [[San Diego Film Critics Society Awards 2024|December 9, 2024]] | Best Sound Design | {{nom}} | rowspan="3" align="center"| <ref>{{cite web |url=https://awardswatch.com/2024-san-diego-film-critics-society-nominations/ |title=2024 San Diego Film Critics Society Nominations |last=Anderson |first=Erik |publisher=AwardsWatch |date=December 6, 2024 |access-date=December 22, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241207021921/https://awardswatch.com/2024-san-diego-film-critics-society-nominations/ |url-status=live }}</ref><br><ref>{{cite web |url=https://awardswatch.com/2024-san-diego-film-critics-society-sdfcs-winners-sing-sing-named-best-picture/ |title=2024 San Diego Film Critics Society (SDFCS) Winners: 'Sing Sing' Named Best Picture |last=Anderson |first=Erik |publisher=AwardsWatch |date=December 10, 2024 |access-date=December 22, 2024 |archive-date=December 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241224174008/https://awardswatch.com/2024-san-diego-film-critics-society-sdfcs-winners-sing-sing-named-best-picture/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |- | Best Visual Effects | {{nom}} |- | Best Stunt Choreography | {{nom}} |- ! scope="row"| [[St. Louis Film Critics Association]] | [[2024 St. Louis Film Critics Association Awards|December 15, 2024]] | Best Visual Effects | [[Eric Barba]], [[Shane Mahan]], and Nelson Sepulveda | {{nom}} | align="center"| <ref>{{cite web |url=https://awardswatch.com/2024-st-louis-film-critics-association-stlfca-nominations/ |title=2024 St. Louis Film Critics Association (StLFCA) Nominations |last=Anderson |first=Erik |publisher=AwardsWatch |date=December 8, 2024 |access-date=December 22, 2024 |archive-date=December 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241209183900/https://awardswatch.com/2024-st-louis-film-critics-association-stlfca-nominations/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |- ! scope="row"| [[Alliance of Women Film Journalists]] | January 2025 | Best Stunt Performance | [[Cailee Spaeny]] | {{Nominated}} | align="center"| <ref>{{cite web |url=https://awfj.org/2024-eda-awards-categories/2024-eda-award-nominees/ |title=2024 EDA Award Nominees |publisher=[[Alliance of Women Film Journalists]] |access-date=December 22, 2024 |archive-date=December 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241213202949/https://awfj.org/2024-eda-awards-categories/2024-eda-award-nominees/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |- ! scope="row" | [[Golden Globe Awards]] | [[82nd Golden Globe Awards|January 5, 2025]] | [[Golden Globe Award for Cinematic and Box Office Achievement|Cinematic and Box Office Achievement]] | rowspan="2"| ''Alien: Romulus'' | {{Nominated}} | align="center" | <ref>{{cite web |last=Wiseman |first=Andrews |title=Golden Globes Nominations Full List Revealed: ''Emilia Perez'' Leads In Film & ''The Bear'' Leads TV |url=https://deadline.com/2024/12/golden-globes-nominations-2025-list-film-tv-1236198070/ |date=December 8, 2024 |access-date=December 8, 2024 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |archive-date=December 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241209151642/https://deadline.com/2024/12/golden-globes-nominations-2025-list-film-tv-1236198070/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |- ! rowspan="7" scope="row"| [[Saturn Awards]] | rowspan="7"| [[52nd Saturn Awards|February 2, 2025]] | [[Saturn Award for Best Horror Film|Best Horror Film]] | {{Won}} | rowspan="7" align="center"| <ref>{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2024/12/saturn-awards-nominations-2025-list-1236195149/ |title='Dune: Part Two', 'Fallout' Lead Saturn Awards Nominations |last=Hipes |first=Patrick |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |date=December 5, 2024 |access-date=December 22, 2024 |archive-date=December 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241205183903/https://deadline.com/2024/12/saturn-awards-nominations-2025-list-1236195149/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |- | [[Saturn Award for Best Director|Best Film Direction]] | [[Fede Álvarez]] | {{nom}} |- | [[Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor|Best Supporting Actor in a Film]] | [[David Jonsson]] | {{nom}} |- | [[Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress|Best Supporting Actress in a Film]] | Cailee Spaeny | {{nom}} |- | [[Saturn Award for Best Production Design|Best Film Production Design]] | Naaman Marshall | {{nom}} |- | [[Saturn Award for Best Make-up|Best Film Make Up]] | Pam Smyth | {{nom}} |- | [[Saturn Award for Best Special Effects|Best Film Visual / Special Effects]] | Eric Barba, Nelson Sepulveda-Fauser, Daniel Macarin, and Shane Mahan | {{nom}} |- ! scope="row" | [[Set Decorators Society of America Awards|Set Decorators Society of America]] | [[Set Decorators Society of America Awards 2024|February 2, 2025]] | [[Set Decorators Society of America Award for Best Achievement in Decor/Design of a Science Fiction or Fantasy Feature Film|Best Achievement in Décor/Design of a Fantasy or Science Fiction Film]] | [[Zsuzsanna Sipos]], Naaman Marshall | {{nom}} | align="center"| <ref>{{Cite web |last=Neglia |first=Matt |date=2025-01-03 |title=The 2024 Set Decorators Society Of America (SDSA) Nominations |url=https://nextbestpicture.com/the-2024-set-decorators-society-of-america-sdsa-nominations/ |access-date=2025-01-03 |website=Next Best Picture |language=en-US |archive-date=January 3, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250103165742/https://nextbestpicture.com/the-2024-set-decorators-society-of-america-sdsa-nominations/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |- ! scope="row"| [[AACTA Awards]] | [[14th AACTA Awards|February 7, 2025]] | [[AACTA Award for Best Visual Effects or Animation|Best Visual Effects or Animation]] | Nelson Sepulveda-Fauser, Jhon Alvarado, Alé Melendez, Sebastian Ravagnani, and Nicolas Caillier | {{nom}} | align="center"| <ref>{{Cite web|title=Boy Swallows Universe and Robbie Williams biopic lead 2025 AACTAs|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-12-07/aacta-awards-robbie-williams-better-man-boy-swallows-universe/104693016|date=6 December 2024|website=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]]|publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]]|access-date=7 December 2024|language=en-AU|archive-date=February 13, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250213123203/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-12-07/aacta-awards-robbie-williams-better-man-boy-swallows-universe/104693016|url-status=live}}</ref> |- ! scope=row | [[Visual Effects Society Awards]] |[[23rd Visual Effects Society Awards|{{dts|2025|2|11}}]] | [[Visual Effects Society Award for Outstanding Model in a Photoreal or Animated Project|Outstanding Model in a Photoreal or Animated Project]] |Waldemar Bartkowiak, Trevor Wide, Matt Middleton, Ben Shearman (for "Renaissance Space Station" ) |{{won}} | align="center" |<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2025/01/ves-awards-2025-nominations-list-1236255921/|title=VES Awards Nominations: Sandworms, Apes, Felines & Tornadoes Vie For Top Film Prize|work=Deadline|first=Erik|last=Pederson|date=January 14, 2025|accessdate=January 14, 2025|archive-date=January 14, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250114161341/https://deadline.com/2025/01/ves-awards-2025-nominations-list-1236255921/|url-status=live}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" rowspan="2"| [[Motion Picture Sound Editors#Golden Reel Awards|Golden Reel Awards]] | rowspan="2"| [[Golden Reel Awards 2024|February 23, 2025]] | [[Golden Reel Award for Outstanding Achievement in Sound Editing – Dialogue and ADR for Feature Film|Outstanding Achievement in Sound Editing – Feature Dialogue / ADR]] | Will Files, Lee Gilmore, Matt "Smokey" Cloud, Polly McKinnon, David Butler, Ryan Cole, Jacob Riehle, Ailene Roberts | {{nom}} | rowspan="2" align="center"| <ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2025/01/golden-reel-awards-2025-nominations-list-mpse-1236247084/|title=Motion Picture Sound Editors Reveal 2025 MPSE Golden Reel Awards Nominations|website=[[Deadline Hollywood|Deadline]]|first=Erik|last=Pedersen|date=January 6, 2025|accessdate=January 6, 2025}}</ref> |- | [[Golden Reel Award for Outstanding Achievement in Sound Editing – Sound Effects and Foley for Feature Film|Outstanding Achievement in Sound Editing – Feature Effects / Foley]] | Will Files, Lee Gilmore, Chris Terhune, Luis Galdames, Dan Kenyon, Ken McGill, James Miller, Matt "Smokey" Cloud, Steve Neal, Samuel Munoz, Lyndsey Schenk, Jacob McNaughton, Noel Vought | {{nom}} |- ! scope=row | [[Academy Awards]] |[[97th Academy Awards|{{dts|2025|3|2}}]] | [[Academy Award for Best Visual Effects|Best Visual Effects]] |[[Eric Barba]], [[Nelson Sepulveda-Fauser]], Daniel Macarin and [[Shane Mahan]] |{{nom}} | align="center" |<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2025|title=The 97th Academy Awards|work=[[AMPAS]]|date=January 23, 2025|accessdate=January 23, 2025|archive-date=January 31, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250131185927/https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2025|url-status=live}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" rowspan="3" | [[Critics' Choice Super Awards]] | rowspan="3"| [[5th Critics' Choice Super Awards|August 7, 2025]] | Best Science Fiction/Fantasy Movie | ''Alien: Romulus'' | {{nom}} | align="center" rowspan="3"|<ref>{{Cite web |title='Deadpool & Wolverine', 'Thunderbolts*', 'The Last Of Us' Lead Nominees For Critics Choice Super Awards |url=https://deadline.com/2025/06/2025-critics-choice-super-awards-nominations-1236430917/ |date=June 11, 2025 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |language=en}}</ref> |- | Best Actor in a Science Fiction/Fantasy Movie | David Jonsson | {{nom}} |- | Best Actress in a Science Fiction/Fantasy Movie | Cailee Spaeny | {{nom}} |- |}

== Comic book == A [[tie-in]] prequel comic book, bridging the events of ''Alien'' and ''Romulus'', written by Zac Thompson, drawn by Daniel Picciotto and colored by Yen Nitro, with a cover by [[Leinil Francis Yu]], was published by [[Marvel Comics]]<ref name="Alien Romulus Marvel">{{cite web |last=Spry |first=Jeff |date=July 30, 2024 |title='Alien: Romulus' one-shot comic reveals dark secrets of deadly xenomorphs |url=https://www.space.com/alien-romulus-comic-xenomorph-secrets |access-date=July 30, 2024 |work=[[Space.com]]}}</ref> on October 23, 2024. The [[One-shot (comics)|one-shot]], simply titled ''Alien: Romulus'' #1,<ref>{{Cite web |title=ALIEN: ROMULUS (2024) #1 |url=https://www.marvel.com/comics/issue/122176/alien_romulus_2024_1 |access-date=2025-07-28 |website=[[Marvel Comics|Marvel.com]] |language=en}}</ref> explores the events that unfolded on the space station ''Renaissance'', providing context for the alien encounter faced by Rain, Andy, and their crew aboard the deteriorated spacecraft.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Angeles |first=Christian |date=September 13, 2024 |title=Preview: ALIEN ROMULUS comic details revealed by Marvel |url=https://www.comicsbeat.com/preview-alien-romulus-comic-details-revealed-by-marvel/ |access-date=October 26, 2024 |website=[[ComicsBeat]] |language=en-US |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007220015/https://www.comicsbeat.com/preview-alien-romulus-comic-details-revealed-by-marvel/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/alien-romulus-prequel-comic-setting-explained-marvel/|title=Alien Reveals the Pivotal Moment That Caused Every Death in Romulus|first=Austin|last=Dudas-Larmondin|work=[[Screen Rant]]|date=October 22, 2024|accessdate=October 24, 2024}}</ref>

== Future == Álvarez told Brian Davids of ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'' that he had ideas in mind for a sequel to ''Romulus'', but did not want to rush into anything, citing the seven-year gap between the first two films: "We really try to think about it more in terms of story and if it needs another chapter and whether people want to know what happens next. So we'll wait to see what people think and if people ask for it. My philosophy is that you should never make [a sequel] in two years. You've got to get away. You've got to get the audience to really want it. If you think about ''Alien'' and ''Aliens'', there's seven years between them. But we definitely have ideas about where it should go."<ref name="Sequel_THR">{{cite web |last1=Davids |first1=Brian |title='Alien: Romulus' Director Fede Álvarez on That Surprise Character: "It Was Unfair That the Likeness Was Never Used Again" |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/alien-romulus-ending-offspring-fede-alvarez-1235978411/ |website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |access-date=August 27, 2024 |date=August 19, 2024 |archive-date=August 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240826071054/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/alien-romulus-ending-offspring-fede-alvarez-1235978411/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Álvarez also said he was open to directing a third ''[[Alien vs. Predator]]'' film, proposing to Melanie Brooks and Anthony D'Alessandro of ''[[Deadline Hollywood]]'' that he would enjoy directing it along with [[Dan Trachtenberg]], the director of the ''[[Predator (franchise)|Predator]]'' films ''[[Prey (2022 film)|Prey]]'' (2022), ''[[Predator: Killer of Killers]]'' (2025) and ''[[Predator: Badlands]]'' (2025): "Maybe it's something I have to co-direct with my buddy Dan. Maybe we should do like [[Quentin Tarantino|[Quentin] Tarantino]] and [[Robert Rodriguez]] did with [[From Dusk till Dawn|[''From''] ''Dusk till Dawn'']]. I'll direct a half, and he'll direct another half."<ref name="Sequel_Deadline">{{cite web |first1=Melanie |last1=Brooks |first2=Anthony |last2=D'Alessandro |title='Alien: Romulus' Filmmaker Fede Alvarez Teases His Vision For 'Alien Vs. Predator' |url=https://deadline.com/2024/08/alien-romulus-fede-alvarez-alien-vs-predator-movie-1236042592/ |website=[[Deadline Hollywood|Deadline]] |access-date=August 27, 2024 |date=August 16, 2024 |archive-date=August 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240822033625/https://deadline.com/2024/08/alien-romulus-fede-alvarez-alien-vs-predator-movie-1236042592/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In October 2024, 20th Century Studios president Steve Asbell said, "We're working on a sequel idea now. We haven't quite closed our deal with Fede [Álvarez], but we are going to, and he has an idea that we're working on."<ref name="Sequel_THR2">{{Cite web |last=Kit |first=Borys |date=October 24, 2024 |title=A Secret ''Predator'' Movie, An ''Alien'' Sequel and ''Speed 3'' on the Table: A Chat with 20th Century Studios Boss Steve Asbell |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/predator-movie-an-alien-sequel-speed-3-1236042464/ |access-date=October 24, 2024 |website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |language=en-US |archive-date=February 2, 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260202153856/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/predator-movie-an-alien-sequel-speed-3-1236042464/ |url-status=live }}</ref> By February 2025, Álvarez confirmed that he was currently writing the script for a sequel, stating that it would be the next project on which he begins production, and principal photography tentatively scheduled for later that year.<ref name="Sequel_Collier">{{cite web|last1=DeVore|first1=Britta|last2=Weintraub|first2=Steven|url=https://collider.com/alien-romulus-sequel-fede-alvarez-filming-update/|work=Collider|title='Alien: Romulus' Sequel Could Be Shooting This Year Says Director Fede Alvarez [Exclusive]|date=February 15, 2025|accessdate=February 15, 2025|archive-date=February 15, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250215211357/https://collider.com/alien-romulus-sequel-fede-alvarez-filming-update/|url-status=live}}</ref> In June, Álvarez stated that pre-production for the sequel was underway, with filming slated to begin in October.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Scott |first=Ryan |date=June 5, 2025 |title=Rejoice! The ALIEN: ROMULUS Sequel Begins Filming This Year |url=https://www.fangoria.com/alien-romulus-sequel-filming-date/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250605235607/https://www.fangoria.com/alien-romulus-sequel-filming-date/ |archive-date=June 5, 2025 |access-date=June 6, 2025 |website=[[Fangoria]]}}</ref> In September, Álvarez confirmed that a script was completed, and that although he would remain as a producer, he would not be returning to direct the sequel.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Moreau |first=Jordan |date=September 5, 2025 |title='Alien: Romulus' Director Fede Álvarez Not Returning for Sequel: 'I'm Gonna Pass the Torch on This One' |url=https://variety.com/2025/film/news/alien-romulus-sequel-fede-alvarez-not-returning-1236509609/ |access-date=September 14, 2025|website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250905203711/https://variety.com/2025/film/news/alien-romulus-sequel-fede-alvarez-not-returning-1236509609/|archive-date=September 5, 2025|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Notes == {{Notelist}}

== References == {{Reflist}}

== External links == {{Wikiquote}} * {{Official website|https://www.20thcenturystudios.com/movies/alien-romulus}} * {{IMDb title}} * {{Letterboxd title|alien-romulus}}

{{Alien (franchise)}} {{Fede Álvarez}} {{Saturn Award for Best Horror Film}} {{Authority control}} {{Portal bar|2020s|Fim|United States|United Kingdom|Speculative fiction|Horror}}

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