Highlights
- The latest installment, Alien: Romulus, marked a triumphant revival of the esteemed Alien franchise, amassing over $350 million globally.
- The original cast members, Cailee Spaeny and David Jonsson, are anticipated to reprise their roles in the upcoming sequel to Alien: Romulus.
- A potential collaboration film between the Alien and Predator franchises could take place if both series maintain their current momentum.
Alien: Romulus captivated audiences this year, rising through the box office and garnering widespread acclaim. This film signifies a successful revival for the Alien series, and Disney’s 20th Century Studios appears eager to build on this achievement.
Set in the year 2142, Alien: Romulus bridges the timeline between the original Alien and Aliens. Directed and penned by Fede Álvarez, renowned for his work on Don’t Breathe, and produced by Ridley Scott, the initial vision for Romulus was as a streaming release, similar to the 2022 Predator installment, Prey. However, Disney ultimately chose a theatrical launch, which turned out to be a wise decision, as it grossed over $350 million and achieved the record for the highest-grossing horror film in IMAX. Critics also responded positively, with an 80% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Sequel Announcement for Alien: Romulus
Following the impressive performance of Alien: Romulus, its sequel appears to be all but confirmed by the leadership of 20th Century Studios. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Steve Asbell, president of 20th Century Studios, discussed the trajectory of the Alien, Predator, and Alien vs. Predator franchises. Touching on Alien: Romulus, Asbell stated they are currently “developing a sequel idea” and are nearing an agreement with Álvarez for his return. “[Álvarez] has a concept that we’re exploring,” he confirmed.
Additionally, Asbell hinted that the sequel will likely see the return of its original cast members, Cailee Spaeny and David Jonsson, who portrayed the siblings Rain and Andy. Their performances were standout elements of Romulus, reinforcing the decision to follow their characters’ journey in the sequel. “The two survivors, Rain and Andy, brought a lot to the film. I often ponder, ‘What direction do fans want them to take next?’ It’s clear that aliens will be involved, and the horror elements will be thrilling. I became quite fond of both characters and am eager to see where their narrative progresses,” Asbell shared.
The characters Rain and Andy, embodied by Spaeny and Jonsson, truly stood out, leading one to wonder, ‘What adventures do audiences wish for them next?’
Update on Alien vs. Predator
In a surprising twist, Asbell also offered insights into the long-anticipated Alien vs. Predator project. Following the success of Prey, a Predator prequel set in the 18th century, and the renewed vigor of the Alien franchise, the possibility of a crossover appears promising. A new Predator movie could serve as a natural evolution stemming from the ongoing developments in both franchises, likely featuring recurring characters. Nevertheless, he also cautioned that they are “still in the early stages and will not rush the process.”
The studio is currently dedicated to capitalizing on the success of both the Alien and Predator franchises before pursuing crossover ventures. However, should the now-confirmed Alien: Romulus sequel and the anticipated 2025 Predator movies continue to thrive, merging these two universes may be the next logical step for 20th Century Studios.
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