Is there any hope for Fede Álvarez‘s “Alien: Romulus” in the disappointing 2024 summer box office? After all, the long-running sci-fi horror franchise isn’t exactly a hot property. It’s been seven years since Ridley Scott‘s ho-hum “Alien: Covenant,” and almost thirty years since a sequel not a part of Scott’s “Prometheus” saga. And harsher critics may be even more severe: has there been a good “Alien” movie since James Cameron‘s lauded 1986 sequel “Aliens“?
Álvarez looks to put the series back on the blockbuster map with his latest entry. And by the looks of the final trailer for “Alien: Romulus,” Álvarez may have achieved just that. Set between the events of Scott’s 1979 original and Cameron’s sequel, the new sequel looks tense, claustrophobic, and visually similar to the franchise’s best moments. But will lots of homage to the xenomorph’s heyday be enough to get fans buzzing? Audiences find out next month.
Here’s an official synopsis for “Alien: Romulus,” courtesy of 20th Century Studios:
While scavenging the deep ends of a derelict space station, a group of young space colonizers come face to face with the most terrifying life form in the universe.
“Alien: Romulus” stars Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, Spike Fearn, and Aileen Wu.
Along with directing, Álvarez co-writes the script for the latest “Alien” film with regular collaborator Rodo Sayagues. Scott produces the latest franchise entry with Michael Pruss and Walter Hill through Scott Free Productions and Brandywine Productions. Álvarez, Elizabeth Cantillon, Brent O’Connor, and Tom Moran serve as executive producers.
20th Century Studios originally had “Alien: Romulus” set for a Hulu streaming release but moved it to a theatrical release, which hints that they have high hopes for this one. But will Álvarez’s film follow the recent trend of audiences not being interested at all in a new take on an old IP? The sequel’s fate gets sealed on August 16, when it hits theaters. Watch the final trailer for “Alien: Romulus” below.