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Director Fede Álvarez Addresses Rumors of Ellen Ripley’s Return in Upcoming ‘Alien: Romulus’ Sequel
Since the announcement of the sequel to 2023’s Alien: Romulus, speculation around the plot and character returns has circulated widely within the fan community. Recently, a rumor surfaced on the fan site Alien vs. Predator Galaxy suggesting that franchise star Sigourney Weaver might reprise her iconic role as Ellen Ripley. However, Fede Álvarez, the director of both Romulus and the upcoming sequel, swiftly refuted these claims.
Responding on the social media platform X, Álvarez labeled the speculation as “fun gossip” but firmly stated that it is “not true at all.” This statement has reassured fans that the new installment will not rely on the familiar character of Ripley, who has played a pivotal role across the franchise’s history. Set between the original Alien and its sequel Aliens, Romulus features an entirely new cast of characters with no direct ties to Ripley, aside from a cameo appearance of the android Ash, utilizing Ian Holm’s likeness.
Despite integrating several nods to the original Alien film as well as elements from Ridley Scott’s prequels Prometheus and Covenant, the 2023 film concluded with no indications that any of the legacy characters would return in potential sequels.
‘Alien: Romulus’ Finds Strength in Its Lack of Reliance on Legacy Characters
Fede Álvarez has previously highlighted that the idea for a younger cast in Alien: Romulus emerged from observing a deleted scene from Aliens, where children are seen exploring a space station. This inspiration drives Álvarez’s aim to deliver a narrative that feels distinct and fresh within the franchise’s expansive universe. The director’s ambition to explore “uncharted” territories further suggests that a return of Ripley would contradict this vision.
The ending of Romulus transitions with its lone survivor, Rain (played by Cailee Spaeny), entering cryostasis in hopes of safely journeying to the planet Yvaga III. Future installments are expected to follow her perilous path, likely integrating the terrifying Xenomorphs while allowing for new narratives that delve into unexplored components of terror in space. Additionally, maintaining a timeline that does not leap excessively ahead would imply that Ripley remains in cryostasis, thus minimizing her presence in the sequel.
Despite the swift dismissal of the Ripley rumor, it fuels interesting conversations about the trajectory of the Alien franchise. After facing challenges in recent years, it seems revitalization is on the horizon with a Romulus sequel and Noah Hawley’s upcoming television series Alien: Earth. While the franchise’s past with Ripley was iconic, the forthcoming narratives will shift focus toward characters like Rain, potentially setting the stage for a new generation of thrilling stories.
Alien: Romulus takes the phenomenally successful “Alien” franchise back to its roots. 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.
Release Date
August 16, 2024
Runtime
119 Minutes
Cast
Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, Spike Fearn, Aileen Wu, Rosie Ede, Soma Simon, Bence Okeke, Viktor Orizu, Robert Bobroczkyi, Trevor Newlin, Annemarie Griggs, Daniel Betts
Main Genre
Horror
Source
movieweb.com