The following article contains spoilers for Alien: Romulus.
The director ofAlien: Romulushas shared that Ellen Ripley, the iconic protagonist of theAlienfranchise, has appeared in his legacy sequel in the form of an Easter egg. If you’re planning to rewatch the film based on this information, you shoud know thatFede Álvarezsays she’s “hiding in plain sight.”
But first things first: Ellen Ripleyisalive during the events ofAlien: Romulus, asthe movie takes place betweenAlien(1979) andAliens(1986). She’s just in cryostasis after having fought the xenomorphs in the first film and before being discovered by Weyland-Yutani for payback in the direct sequel.
Alien: Romulus
Alien: Romulus takes the phenomenally successful “Alien” franchise back to its roots. 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.
Álvarez recently appeared on theReelBlend podcast, where he gave his own version of Ripley’s status during the events ofAlien: Romulus, a film he wrote alongside frequent script collaborator Rodo Sayagues. When asked if Ripley could be part of the story, Álvarez remains cryptic:
“I wouldn’t say it’s impossible. Because no one knows exactly what happened in all those years that she’s been drifting away. I cannot say more. I think for legal reasons, I cannot say more. I would say it’s not impossible. I think it’s totally possible that it could’ve been a part of this story somehow.
There’s a few things that I’ve hid in that movie that is the answer to this question. It’s just very well hidden. But they’re kind of hiding in plain sight.”
Could this mean Ripley is part of theAlien: Romulusstoryline? As the director says, it would “defeat the whole purpose” if he revealed everything. However, his hesitation to share more details could be associated with the fact thatAlien: Romulus’ other big Easter egg, thenotvery subtle one,has been met with backlashbecause of what Álvarez did to accomplish it.
We’re talking about the Ian Holm lookalike android that has a major plotline in the third act, which elicited divisive reactions from fans who didn’t click with the director’s decision to add a similar android for plot reasons. Ripley’s presence is much more subtle, as the Easter egg – or facehugger egg – has yet to be found.
Alien: Romulus Is the Best Alien Film in Almost 40 Years
Things are looking great for Fede Álvarez and his installment in theAlienfranchise. The film has already made $118 million at the box office, and it still holds a precious 81% critics score and an 86% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite some backlash on Film Twitter,Alien: Romulushas united legions of fans who recognize the need to leave some of Ridley Scott’s ideas behind and to refresh the franchise with young new faces. For Álvarez,Romulusisa repeat of the positive reactionto his other legacy sequel/remake, 2013’sEvil Dead,proving he’s got what it takes to tackle big franchises on his own terms.
Alien: Romulusstars Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, Spike Fearn, and Aileen Wu, among others. Producers include franchise figures Ridley Scott and Walter Hill. Originally set for a direct-to-streaming release, 20th Century Studios quickly movedRomulusto a theatrical release schedule, and we can’t be happier at that decision considering how great the film feels as a theatrical experience.
