Alien: Romulus Director Talks Support From Ridley Scott and James Cameron

Alien: Romulus director Fede Álvarez revealed how previous franchise directors Ridley Scott and James Cameron contributed to the upcoming installment.

“For all of us and whatever it is that we do, the dream is to sit down with the masters of our craft and have a conversation about what we do and learn how to do it better. And the process of making this film definitely gave me that experience with Ridley,” Alvarez said in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.

“At the story level, we first told him what I was planning to do, and then when he read it, I discussed the script with him. And later, when he watched the movie, I discussed my cut with him. So I consider each one of those moments and creative conversations with Ridley to be a highlight of my career and my life.”

Scott helmed 1979’s Alien starring Sigourney Weaver, which kicked off the terrifying sci-fi thriller series. While Scott’s director was driven by tension and suspense, Cameron’s 1986 sequel Aliens took on more of an action-thriller feel than its predecessor. The contrast in both directors’ approaches to the franchise was evident in the feedback Alvarez received from them.

“James Cameron is also someone I’ve met through the years, and when he learned that I was doing it, we started chatting about it,” Alvarez continued. “So I also had that conversation with him at the script level. He’s now seen the movie and loved it. It’s also fascinating because [Cameron and Scott’s] notes and comments are completely different. [Laughs.] They wouldn’t repeat a note. Whatever Ridley said, Cameron said something different. They were all super smart comments, notes and thoughts on the film and the filmmaking, et cetera, but both of them have completely different approaches. So the fantastic part of being able to make this film is to have the chance to work with them.”

What is Alien: Romulus about?

Set in between the events of Alien and Aliens, the official synopsis for Alien: Romulus reads: “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.” Directed by Alvarez, the movie stars Cailee Spaeny (Priscilla, Civil War), Isabela Merced (Madame Web, Superman), David Jonsson (Industry), Archie Renaux (Shadow and Bone, Morbius), Spike Fearn (The Batman, Tell Me Everything), and Aileen Wu.

Alien: Romulus is scheduled for release on August 16.