Alien: Romulus star reveals mysterious, untapped storyline for upcoming film

Cailee Spaeny, who stars in Romulus, recently disclosed how the new sci-fi/horror film connects to the wider Alien franchise timeline. Scheduled for release in 2022, Romulus marks the ninth installment in the Alien series and is helmed by director Fede Álvarez, who co-wrote the script with Rodo Sayagues.

The plot of Alien: Romulus is shrouded in mystery, and Álvarez has confirmed that it will not follow the storyline of Ridley Scott’s Prometheus and Alien: Covenant. The official synopsis only mentions "a group of young people on a distant world," leaving the story largely unknown until now.

Alien: Romulus star confirms new movie’s uncharted timeline

During a recent interview with Variety, Cailee Spaeny, the star of Alien: Romulus, clarified the film's place in the larger Alien chronology. Spaeny confirmed that Alien: Romulus is set between the events of Alien (1979) and Aliens (1986) – a previously unexplored period in the timeline as depicted on screen.

"It's meant to fit in the timeline between the initial film and its sequel," Spaeny detailed. "The team from Aliens, the James Cameron movie, was brought in for our film. The individuals who constructed the xenomorphs for that movie also worked on ours.

It has been truly incredible to see the original design and work alongside the people who have dedicated over 45 years of their lives to these films. My first film was a big-budget sci-fi, and now I feel like I'm returning to that world. I have so much fun with it and enjoy trying my hand at as many different things as possible.

I traded in my high heels and beehive for spacesuits and a lot of wire work. I have always been a fan of the old '70s and '80s action sci-fi films, and I am thrilled to be a part of that iconic IP and to work alongside Sigourney Weaver. It's truly legendary to be a part of this.

Is Sigourney Weaver returning for Alien: Romulus?

Although Spaeny greatly admires Weaver, it is highly unlikely that she will have any scenes with her idol in the upcoming Alien installment. Alien: Romulus’ timeline could potentially accommodate a cameo by Weaver, but the legendary Hollywood icon has made it clear that she is finished playing Ellen Ripley.

In April 2023, Weaver expressed her disappointment in not being able to work on an Alien film with Neill Blomkamp, but also stated that she is content with her current projects. Stay updated on all the latest Alien: Romulus content by visiting Dexerto’s full coverage here.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I am excited about the upcoming Alien film, Romulus. The Alien franchise has always been one of my favorites, and I am eager to see what new story will be told in this installment.

The fact that Romulus is set between the events of Alien and Aliens is particularly intriguing, as this is a period of time that has not been explored in the films before. I am also excited to see Cailee Spaeny in the lead role. She is a talented actress, and I think she will bring a lot to the character.

Overall, I am very optimistic about Romulus and can't wait to see it when it is released.