For Alien Day, Fede Álvarez shows us a video of Alien Romulus and some classic special effects from the film
In the dark and fascinating universe of “Alien”, each new installment promises chills and “Alien: Romulus” is no exception. Directed by Fede Álvarez, this film promises a return to the practical effects that so many fans love. This is demonstrated by a recent behind-the-scenes video, where Álvarez has fun on set with a radio-controlled facehugger, a creature that, without a doubt, has left an indelible mark on popular culture, from its terrifying presence in films to its influence in video games.
The resurgence of practical terror
From its first trailers, “Alien: Romulus” suggests a return to the series’ roots, with a clear focus on practical effects. The director, Fede Álvarez, has reiterated his commitment to this vision, choosing to collaborate again with the team that brought the Xenomorphs to life in 1986’s “Aliens.” “For the creatures, we brought in all the guys from ‘Aliens.’ I even had the opportunity to be under the table with them, handling all of these animations,” Alvarez commented in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.
In a demonstration of his passion and nostalgia, Álvarez shared on social media how he handled the facehugger on set, describing it as “playing with my favorite toy.” This approach not only shows a respect for the art of special effects, but also connects with fans in a very authentic and exciting way.
Horror and pop culture
The Xenomorphs from “Alien” are, without a doubt, nightmare fuel. In addition to their obvious impact on film, they have transcended into other media, leaving their mark on television and video games, places where their iconic image continues to evoke fear and fascination. The facehugger, perhaps the most feared of its documented life cycles, never fails to trigger arachnophobia in the public.
Álvarez himself takes advantage of this innate fear, a tactic that other films, such as “Slither,” “Eight Legged Freaks” and the “Piranha” series, have also successfully exploited. In an interview with IGN, Alvarez explains the pure conceptualization of horror: “The idea of what happens if the Facehugger catches you, you’d rather a Xenomorph catch you. You would prefer a quick death instead of what happens to you if they catch you.”
Connection to the Alien legacy
The protagonist of “Alien: Romulus” plays a crucial role in this new chapter, where he faces not only the physical horrors of space but also the ethical dilemmas that this entails. This character, whose evolution promises to be the core of the plot, seems designed to resonate with the depth and complexity that characterized Ripley, played iconically by Sigourney Weaver in the first installments. Álvarez’s ability to weave a narrative that honors the past while exploring new emotional and moral horizons will be key to connecting with the audience.
Furthermore, the decision to focus the story on practical effects and a deeper connection to basic human fears draws interesting parallels with other legendary characters in the horror genre. Comparing with figures like Ash Williams from “Evil Dead” or Nancy Thompson from “A Nightmare on Elm Street”, who also faced unimaginable terrors, the leader of Romulus joins this tradition of horror heroes who are remembered not only for their bravery, but for their humanity in the face of the abyss.
Alien Day Celebration
The “Alien Day” phenomenon, started by 20th Century Fox in 2016 as a promotional event, has become an annual celebration for fans, with April 26 a direct nod to the planetoid LV-426 from the first film. This year, anticipation is even greater with the release of “Aliens Expanded,” a documentary that explores the making of James Cameron’s “Aliens,” offering new commentary and behind-the-scenes footage.
With Romulus scheduled to premiere on August 16, fans have a lot to look forward to. With this focus on authenticity of effects and a narrative that promises to be as terrifying as it is thoughtful, Alvarez is not only setting up a return to fans’ beloved roots, he’s setting the stage for a new era of horror in the franchise.
