The legendary Alien franchise returns with a spine-chilling chapter as Alien: Romulus makes its highly anticipated streaming debut on Disney+ starting January 1.
A Thrilling Revival of the Alien Universe
Directed by acclaimed horror visionary Fede Alvarez (Don’t Breathe), Alien: Romulus brings the franchise back to its terrifying roots. Critics are raving, calling it “sheer terror” (USA Today) and “utterly breathtaking” (Discussing Film). Garnering Certified-Fresh status on Rotten Tomatoes™, the film has become a global sensation, achieving the second-highest box office earnings in the franchise’s history.
With an all-new storyline, creatures, and characters, Alien: Romulus is a bold new chapter that retains the tension and horror fans love. Owen Gleiberman of Variety praises its ability to be “tense enough to grab you by the throat.”
Exclusive Binge-Worthy Content on Disney+
Get ready to immerse yourself in the Alien universe like never before. Alongside Alien: Romulus, Disney+ offers every iconic film in the franchise — Alien, Aliens, Alien 3, Alien Resurrection, Prometheus, and Alien: Covenant.
About Alien: Romulus
This sci-fi horror thriller introduces audiences to a group of young colonizers scavenging a derelict space station, only to confront the deadliest lifeform in the universe. The cast features rising stars Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, Spike Fearn, and Aileen Wu. Directed by Fede Alvarez, the screenplay is co-written by Alvarez and Rodo Sayagues, based on the iconic characters created by Dan O’Bannon and Ronald Shusett. Legendary filmmaker Ridley Scott, who directed the original Alien and the prequels Prometheus and Alien: Covenant, serves as producer alongside Michael Pruss and Walter Hill.
Mark your calendar — Alien: Romulus streams exclusively on Disney+ starting January 1.
20th Century Studios’ “Alien: Romulus” has finally landed in theaters, showcasing spine-chilling suspense, a gripping storyline, and the petrifying return of the most terrifying life-form in space – the Xenomorphs.
Set on a desolate, alien-infested planet, the latest installment of the Alien franchise delivers a harrowing tale of survival. Its story follows a group of humans stranded in the cold, inhospitable, and unforgiving depths of space where danger is ever-present because of the deadly Xenomorphs that lurk in the shadows.
Speaking about one of the most incredible monsters ever seen on screen, Director Fede Alvarez highlights that “there’s an aspect of these creatures that’s just so terrifying, that are made of nightmares, that’s just so unique.”
Spike Fearn, who plays the role of Bjorn, shares his thoughts on how “Alien: Romulus” would resonate with today’s audiences: “If you’re like a true fan of, especially the first two (“Alien” and “Aliens”), I think you’re just gonna love the movie. I think that Fede (Alvarez) captured that very well.” Echoing this was Archie Renaux, who plays Tyler, “definitely giving some nostalgia for some people, as well, these cool little nods,” he says. Meanwhile, Isabela Merced, who plays Kay, adds, “and if you don’t know the movie, it’s all the better because then you get to experience it for the first time.” Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, and Aileen Wu also star in the film.
The Philippine premiere of “Alien: Romulus” in SM Mall of Asia IMAX Cinema and the special advance screening in Ayala Malls Greenbelt 3’s 4DX Cinema were electrifying events, filled with an eerie atmosphere and fans packing the theaters, eager to experience the latest chapter in the beloved franchise. Initial reviews have started to pour in, and critics have been applauding Alvarez’ direction, noting how his signature style of horror and tension breathed life into the movie. The reactions from those who attended the premiere have been nothing short of enthusiastic, saying that the sci-fi thriller was a perfect blend of classic Alien horror and modern filmmaking.
As the buzz continues to grow, there’s no better time to experience “Alien: Romulus” on the big screen. This is a movie that demands to be seen in a theater, where the full impact of its cutting-edge visual effects and immersive sound design can be truly appreciated.
Don’t miss out on the ultimate survival film that has everyone talking – get your tickets and prepare for a journey into the unknown. “Alien: Romulus” is now showing in theaters nationwide.
You don’t need to see the six films in the ‘Alien’ franchise to understand the story but ‘Alien: Romulus’ takes its time to pay tribute to the first four films in the franchise that a quick watch of those films would be a pleasant treat before catching this installment. Directed and written by Fede Alvarez and co-written with Rodo Sayagues, ‘Alien: Romulus’ is a classic creature feature that takes its time to set up the dramatic situation before it starts delivering on its promise of thrills and spills. It makes full use of its science fiction and horror genre to deliver a story that still manages to stay true to the essence of the franchise’s underlying message that capitalism, in the form of the megacorporation known as Weyland-Yutani Corp, is still our biggest threat, even in the face of one of the most terrifying creatures ever created on fiction.
The film follows the story of Rain, played by the versatile Cailee Spaeny, who has transformed after such breakout performance in ‘Civil War’ and ‘Priscilla.’ Rain is trapped in a mining colony, trying to finish off her contract with the corporation so that she can leave and move to a planet where she can actually see the sun. The mining colony is an unforgiving place that has taken the lives of her parents, and she now lives with her “brother,” the busted synthetic Andy, played excellently by David Jonsson. When she discovers that her contract has been extended, she decides to take an offer by an old friend, Tyler (Archie Renaux) to fly to space to hijack an abandoned ship floating in orbit around the planet. The ship contains cryogenic sleep pods that will allow Tyler, Rain, and the rest of their crew to make it to a more hospitable planet several lightyears away.
Everything goes according to plan until they discover that the ship is not just a ship but a space station and that something very bad happened inside leaving the whole crew dead. As they reboot and repower the space station, a vessel so big its partitioned into two areas and called Romulus and Remus, they end up waking the alien lifeforms that the ship has been carrying all this time.
Alvarez takes his time to let us get to know the characters: to imply the possibility that Rain and Tyler may have had a relationship before; the reason why Bjorn (Spike Fearn), one of Tyler’s crew, hates synthetics and treats Andy badly; that Tyler’s sister, Kay (Isabela Merced), has a secret of her own; and the nature of the bond between Rain and Andy and why she calls him her brother.
In fact, it is Rain and Andy’s relationship that serves as the heart and soul of the film. The moment the xenomorphs are awakened and are out for the kill, the story becomes one big chase sequence, the crew just trying to survive but what keeps it from becoming just shlock is that Rain and Andy’s relationship turns complex as realizations are discovered in the attempts to survive. This becomes the emotional core of the film and by questioning the humanity of an AI and our ability to empathize with it adds another dimension to the film and widens the scope of the film’s genre.
On the horror side of things, Alvarez knows exactly how to set up a scene, how to use his framing to create tension and fear. He pays wonderful tribute to Ridley Scott’s mise-en-scene in ‘Alien’ with the way he sets up his horror sequences while taking cues from James Cameron’s ‘Aliens’ when the film goes full-on action mode. From David Fincher in ‘Alien 3,’ he manages to adopt the sense of claustrophobia in the setting and the weirdness of Jean-Pierre Jeunet of ‘Alien: Resurrection.’
While managing to pay homage to the films prior, Alvarez goes a little crazy in the last twenty minutes of the film, throwing in the kitchen sink and creating dramatic situations that are so big that they feel somewhat ludicrous already but the steady build up to this was so well-paced that it feels earned. The fact that it gets weird, much like Jeunet’s installment in the franchise, bordering on campy, feels right and not out of place.
‘Alien: Romulus’ is an enjoyable addition to the franchise that truly respects and honors the idea of the xenomorph while staying true to its goal to question the ways by which capitalism, in the form of mega corporations, would choose technology and profit over human lives. That is still embedded in the DNA of this film and I’m all for it. If this film manages to get people to watch the older films in the process, then that’s the added bonus. As a sci-fi horror film, ‘Alien: Romulus’ does the job and then some.
Get ready for a fresh lineup of exciting films hitting theaters this Wednesday! August is heating up with an eclectic array of films debuting across cinemas. This week, you can choose from the hard-hitting action of The Roundup: Punishment, the harrowing sci-fi thriller Alien: Romulus, the mysterious horror Oddity, and the poignant romantic comedy Un/Happy For You. Whether you’re in the mood for heart-pounding suspense, otherworldly encounters, or romantic nostalgia, there’s something here to satisfy your cinematic cravings. And don’t forget to catch fan favorites still showing before they disappear from the big screen! Grab your movie squad, indulge in some buttery popcorn, and enjoy the latest hits.
Now, let’s take a sneak peek at what’s premiering this week:
2024 • R-16 • 1 hr 49 mins ACTION, CRIME, DRAMA GET SHOWTIMES
In “The Roundup: Punishment,” Ma Dong-seok returns as the indomitable ‘Monster Cop’ Ma Seok-do, taking on the gritty underbelly of an illegal online gambling empire. When the law enforcer proposes an alliance with an IT genius turned criminal mastermind, a thrilling chase ensues, making it a must-watch for fans of high-octane action and complex character dynamics.
Prepare for a spine-tingling experience with “Alien: Romulus,” where a group of adventurous young space colonizers face their worst nightmare aboard a forsaken space station. This latest entry in the iconic Alien series promises to deliver all the horror and suspense sci-fi fans crave, with new twists and heart-stopping moments.
“Oddity” delves into a dark and twisted tale when Darcy, armed with cursed artifacts and a vendetta, arrives to solve her twin sister’s murder. This horror film blends supernatural elements with a whodunit intrigue, perfect for those who love a story that keeps them guessing until the last scream.
Joshua Garcia and Julia Barretto, known collectively as JoshLia, reunite in “Un/Happy For You,” exploring the complex emotions that surface when former lovers meet again. With a mix of humor and heartfelt moments, this romantic comedy examines the intricacies of love, loss, and everything in between, making it an ideal pick for a light-hearted yet poignant cinema experience.
FAN FAVORITES STILL SHOWING
Meanwhile, don’t forget to catch up on some of the movies that are still captivating audiences in theaters. Here’s a list of fan favorites that are still showing in cinemas:
2024 • PG • 1 hr 40 mins ACTION, ADVENTURE, SCIENCE FICTION GET SHOWTIMES
If you’re in the mood for an action-packed journey through space, “Borderlands” might just be the ticket. Set on a distant planet, this film follows the return of an infamous outlaw, played by the ever-talented Cate Blanchett. She’s joined by Kevin Hart and Jack Black, who bring their unique energy to this high-stakes adventure.
Based on the bestselling novel, “It Ends with Us” is a drama that delves deep into the complexities of love and relationships. Starring Blake Lively as Lily, the film tells the story of a woman who has overcome a difficult childhood and is now trying to build a new life.
What starts as an innocent outing quickly turns into a nightmare for a father and his teenage daughter attending a pop concert. Trap plunges you into a sinister event where survival instincts are tested. The intense atmosphere and unexpected twists will keep you on the edge of your seat as you navigate this dark and gripping thriller. Will they escape the danger that lurks, or will they fall victim to the trap set before them?
The merc with a mouth is back, and this time, he’s not alone! Wade Wilson, a.k.a. Deadpool, finds the monotony of civilian life disrupted when a new threat emerges. Teaming up with a gruff Wolverine, the duo is set for a series of misadventures filled with snark, action, and unexpected camaraderie. Expect a blend of relentless humor, thrilling fight sequences, and the kind of chemistry only Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman can deliver.
2024 • PG • 1 hr 35 mins ACTION, ANIMATION, COMEDY, FAMILY GET SHOWTIMES
With such a vibrant mix of genres and stories, there’s every reason to head to the cinema this week. Whether you’re looking for a thrilling mystery, a laugh-out-loud comedy, or a romantic escape, these new releases offer captivating experiences for all tastes. So don’t miss out—grab your popcorn, pick your plot, round up your crew, and head to your nearest cinema to catch these must-watch films in action.
Brace yourselves for an unparalleled, spine-tingling thrill as the classic “Alien” franchise returns with 20th Century Studios’ “Alien: Romulus,” set to premiere in theaters nationwide next week, August 14. Helmed by renowned director Fede Alvarez who is known for his masterful horror and jump scares, this latest installment promises to deliver an out-of-this-world film best experienced on the big screen.
Producer Michael Pruss expressed his excitement, saying, “the evolution of the franchise is fascinating, but it has been crying out for a new, modern film.” The filmmakers delved deep into the franchise’s mythology, aiming to understand not just the lore but also how to recapture the unforgettable horror and suspense that have defined the series. Legendary filmmaker James Cameron, who wrote and directed the classic 1986 film “Aliens,” collaborated with Alvarez early in the writing process, providing invaluable insights and suggestions on everything from character arcs to the design of the frightening aliens.
Incorporating practical effects and state-of-the-art production techniques, “Alien: Romulus” offers a visually stunning and immersive experience. With the blessing of producer Ridley Scott– who also directed the original “Alien” and produced and directed the series’ entries “Prometheus” and “Alien: Covenant”– Alvarez decided to go back to the basics when shooting the film. “I knew that I wanted to take this chapter back to the beginning, not only story-wise but in terms of visual style,” explained Alvarez.
Executive producer Tom Moran added, “Ridley’s approach in 1979 was very practical in terms of visual effects and style. Fede decided to honor that and go back to basics.”
As a result, every set was originally constructed: every corner of the spaceships, the space station, the colony, the hallways, and the docking bay. Even the Endo parasitoid extraterrestrial species, the Xenomorph, and the iconic facehuggers were created as fully-functional animatronics. The scenes with the Xeno and the spider-like alien creature, the facehugger, are sure to give the audience heart-pounding tension as they’re transported once again to the vacuum of space and all of its horrifying unknowns.
Watch the official trailer of Alien: Romulus below:
“Alien: Romulus” stars Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, Spike Fearn, and Aileen Wu. The film opens in theaters nationwide next week, August 14. Don’t miss the chance to witness this epic survival journey into the unknown.
