If you loved 2013’s Evil Dead or 2022’s Texas Chainsaw Massacre, you’ll no doubt be anticipating what director Fede Álvarez has in store for the Alien franchise. The talented 45-year-old filmmaker from Uruguay worked on 2016’s horror/thriller Don’t Breathe, as well as its less successful sequel, Don’t Breathe 2.
Although he doesn’t have an extensive filmography, Álvarez has become rather infamous in the industry, especially when it comes to his expertise with horror. Baring that in mind, it’s only natural that Álvarez should be chosen to direct the upcoming stand-alone Alien installment, which just wrapped filming under the working title of Alien: Romulus. To commend the crew’s efforts, Álvarez thought it appropriate to commemorate the occasion with a well-deserved cigar.
Alien: Romulus, which was first announced back in 2022, stars Cailee Spaeny, Isabela Merced, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Spike Fearn, and Aileen Wu. The director of the original Alien, Ridley Scott, joins the crew as a producer, along with Michael Pruss. Filming commenced in Budapest on March 9, 2023, and officially wrapped on July 3, 2023.
It is with a heavy heart that we additionally confirm that Sigourney Weaver will not return as Ellen Ripley, nor will she be pursuing further roles in the Alien franchise going forward. Álvarez will be taking the franchise in a whole new direction.
There is, however, an Alien TV show in the works — so there’s the silver lining.
Although the title is subject to change, Alien: Romulus is slated for an Aug. 16, 2024 release.