We know Fede Álvarez wrote a script for the sequel to “Alien: Romulus,” but last week learned that Álvarez would not be returning to direct this time around. He was supposed to helm the project, but instead, in his own words, decided to “pass the baton.” That’s the narrative he putting out there (via TooFab).
A peculiar development considering Álvarez acknowledging back in June that he was in prep mode on the film and would be shooting it this fall. Álvarez will finally stay on as producer alongside Ridley Scott, while a new filmmaker is being sought to take the reins for the fall shoot.
Here’s The Hot Mic’s Jeff Sneider who is suggesting Álvarez’s version of events is spin, and that the real issue might be a clash with producer Ridley Scott which led to his firing.
This whole ‘we’re going to pass the torch” .. you have been talking and planning this for the last year. The torch got passed over him. Ridley [Scott] might be bigfooting him. Fede wanted to use Michael Fassbender, and Ridley said no because “I may want to come back to the series,” and if so “I want to be the one who brings him back and uses him. Obviously, who is going to win that clash, Ridley. It was creative differences, let’s put it that way.
Who steps in now? Noah Hawley already has the well-received “Alien: Earth” series on his plate — could he slide over? Or does Ridley Scott actually want to take the reins himself?
“Alien: Romulus,” a back-to-basics revival that echoed the structure of Ridley Scott’s 1979 original, was a surprise hit, grossing $350M worldwide on a relatively modest $80M budget. Caillee Spaeny’s performance as Rain, a modern-day Ripley of sorts, was one of the film’s standout elements and likely a key factor in fast-tracking the sequel.
Despite that, reviews for ‘Romulus’ weren’t that extraordinary. It had its fair share of flaws, including a very divisive final act. An 80% on Rotten Tomatoes this decade isn’t that good.