Who will direct 20th Century Studio‘s “Alien: Romulus” sequel now that it’s official that Fede Álvarez won’t return to direct? The rumor mill is in full spin there, but there’s one up-and-coming name that’s emerged as the top choice.
Nexus Point News reports that “A Quiet Place: Day One” director Michael Sarnoski is reportedly being eyed to helm the “Romulus” follow-up. That’s not a bad choice on 20th Century and Álvarez’s part. “Day One” was a capable prequel, and demonstrated that Sarnoski has the right touch for big-budget, franchise storytelling. But Sarnoski’s last film was also flush with the quiet, poignant emotional beats that he honed on his 2021 feature debut, “Pig.” One wonders whether that sensibility is a smart match for Álvarez’s already-finishing sequel script. Last September, Álvarez stressed that he wanted “to find a director who really wants to go for the jugular,” and the man who made “Pig” is interested in decidedly less visceral stakes than that.
But then, who knows where the sequel will take Cailee Spaeny‘s Rain and David Jonsson‘s Andy next? The end of “Romulus” sees the pair chart course to the idyllic colony planet Yvaga III, but let’s face it, some xenomorph-related mishaps will probably derail those plans. Official plot details for the sequel remain under wraps, but Álvarez confirmed last September that Rain and Andy will not be killed off, like Hicks and Newt were at the start of “Alien 3.”
If Sarnoski signs on for “Romulus 2,” 20th Century may have to wait for him to make his “Death Stranding” over at A24 adaptation first. Meanwhile, Sarnoski’s next film (and another A24 joint), “The Death Of Robin Hood,” hits theaters later this year. In other words, the director is busy, but not so busy for him not to take this on project if he wants to.
And if Sarnoski opts in, it’s a great time to join the “Alien” franchise. “Romulus” was a big success for 20th Century in Summer 2024, revitalizing a dead franchise (even if the film itself gleaned too much from its predecessors for this writer’s taste). Since then, Noah Hawley‘s FX series “Alien: Earth” also premiered to critical fanfare, with a second season on the way. 20th Century will want to keep the hits coming with “Romulus 2,” then, and have someone in the director’s chair ready to make another crowdpleaser.
Then again, the rumor mill is always churning. Let’s wait and see if there’s any truth to Sarnoski joining the “Alien” franchise.
