Alien: Romulus uses all kinds of practical special effects, without using CGI, and Fede Álvarez shows the remote-controlled “facehugger”, his “favorite toy”.
Alien: Romulus, the new film in the saga started by Ridley Scott in 1979, and which has had seven films, is going to be an important change. In addition to completely abandoning the saga started by Prometheus and Alien: Covenantpresenting a new story, will be distinguished by its special effects.
And it is that Fede Alvarezdirector of No Breathe, has assembled the team of special effects creators from Aliens: The Return (1986) for the special effects of this film, which will rely on practical effects, animatronics and puppets.
Today, to celebrate Alien Day, Álvarez has shared an image on the set of filming with one of the creatures: a real, remote-controlled “facehugger” in Alien Romulus. No digital effects!
Alien: Romulus will be full of practical special effects
Álvarez describes it as his “favorite toy”, a robot created by Weta Workshop for the film (and which can be seen briefly in its trailer).
Álvarez confessed in an interview for The Hollywood Reporter that he has an “obsession with not using green screens,” and that is why they built all the sets and creatures.
“But I’m not an anti-CG guy. I come from a background where I know how to create the effects myself. I still do visual effects on my films to this day. You have to do what’s best for the shot, and when it comes to face-to-face encounters and creature moments, nothing beats the real thing.“.
Álvarez has brought back the artisans of Aliens: The Returnwho in 1986 were young 20 years old, and now have a lot of experience and run their own workshops and special effects studios.
But we must not forget that Fede Alvarez He rose to fame with his short film “Panic Attack”, creating an alien invasion in Montevideu using digital effects. Thanks to that viral short he signed Sam Raimi… and now he is one of the most in-demand horror film directors.
Alien: Romulus will be released in theaters on August 13, 2024.
