Alien: Romulus is a 2024 American science fiction horror film directed by Fede Álvarez, who co-wrote the screenplay with Rodo Sayagues. Produced by Scott Free Productions and Brandywine Productions, it marks the ninth installment in the Alien franchise, set between the events of Alien (1979) and Aliens (1986). The film stars Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, Spike Fearn, and Aileen Wu. The story follows a group of young, downtrodden space colonists who, while seeking better living conditions, encounter deadly creatures while scavenging a derelict space station.
Plans for future Alien films were announced by 20th Century Fox at CinemaCon in April 2019. Álvarez was brought on as director in March 2022, with Spaeny cast 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 released theatrically in the United States by 20th Century Studios on August 16. The film received positive reviews from critics and has grossed $121.8 million worldwide.
| Directed by | Fede Álvarez |
|---|---|
| Written by | Fede Álvarez, Rodo Sayagues |
| Based on | Characters by Dan O’Bannon, Ronald Shusett |
| Produced by | Ridley Scott, Michael Pruss, Walter Hill |
| Starring | Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, Spike Fearn, Aileen Wu |
| Cinematography | Galo Olivares |
| Edited by | Jake Roberts |
| Music by | Benjamin Wallfisch |
| Production companies | Scott Free Productions, Brandywine Productions, TSG Entertainment |
| Distributed by | 20th Century Studios |
| Release dates | August 12, 2024 (Los Angeles), August 16, 2024 (United States) |
| Running time | 119 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $80 million |
| Box office | $121.8 million |
Cast:
- Cailee Spaeny as Rain, an orphaned miner
- David Jonsson as Andy, an android reprogrammed by Rain’s father to be her surrogate brother
- Archie Renaux as Tyler, Kay’s brother and Rain’s ex-boyfriend
- Isabela Merced as Kay, Tyler’s pregnant sister
- Spike Fearn as Bjorn, Tyler and Kay’s cousin
- Aileen Wu as Navarro, a pilot and Bjorn’s girlfriend
Production:
After the Walt Disney Company’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox, 20th Century Fox confirmed at the 2019 CinemaCon that future Alien films were in development. In March 2022, it was announced that Fede Álvarez would write and direct a new Alien film after pitching his own story. Initially described as “unconnected” to the previous installments in the franchise, the project was slated for release on Hulu. However, Álvarez later clarified that the film was not a standalone story. The film is set between the events of Alien (1979) and Aliens (1986), with some technical crew members from the latter returning for this project.
Release:
Alien: Romulus was initially planned for a direct release on Hulu, but Disney decided to shift the film to a theatrical release just before filming began. The film had its world premiere in Los Angeles on August 12, 2024, and made its British premiere at the Edinburgh International Film Festival on August 15. It was subsequently released in theaters by 20th Century Studios in the United States and the United Kingdom on August 16.
