We know Fede Álvarez penned the script for the sequel to “Alien: Romulus” with the intention of returning to direct, but a few weeks ago it was revealed that Álvarez will not be behind the camera this time around. In his own words, he’s decided to “pass the baton.”
It’s a peculiar development when you consider Álvarez’s comments earlier this year.
Back in February, he told fans, “I think the sequel is my next movie” and “I hope I can shoot it this year.” Speaking to Empire, he said he was excited to get back on set. By June, he confirmed he was in prep mode, eyeing a fall shoot.
But according to insider Jeff Sneider, Álvarez’s narrative doesn’t line up with the behind-the-scenes reality. Sneider’s sources suggest the director was actually fired after numerous creative clashes, including at least one major disagreement with franchise godfather Ridley Scott.
Still, Álvarez is sticking to his story. Speaking at Horrorhound Weekend (via Alien-Covenant), he doubled down, claiming he was never even supposed to direct the follow-up:
I don’t think I was ever going to (direct the sequel). We always knew right when we finished – this is one of those things where you come in and you do one, and get out. Cameron, Fincher… all those directors I love, they went and did one. Obviously Ridley created it, he has the right to make a bunch of them. We did want to write it […] We wrote it and made sure they stayed alive, and now we can let someone else make it.
Sure, Jan. This is spin. Based on everything Álvarez has said over the past year, he was absolutely supposed to direct the sequel. He repeatedly confirmed it was his next movie, that he was prepping, that cameras would roll this fall. Something clearly changed. We don’t know the full story yet, but it’s obvious he’s not being upfront about why he’s no longer in the chair.
So what happens next? A new filmmaker is being sought to take the reins for the scheduled fall shoot. Could Noah Hawley — already deep into FX’s “Alien: Earth” series — slide over to the feature side? Or does Ridley Scott, never far from the Alien orbit, want to take control himself?
I actually find that number optimistic. Tickets for “Digger” go on sale next Tuesday, and presales will give us a better picture of how bad it’s looking.