Fede Álvarez Explains Why He’s Not Directing the ALIEN: ROMULUS Sequel

Alien: Romulus carved out a thrilling new chapter in the legendary sci-fi horror franchise when it hit theaters in 2024. Directed by Fede Álvarez and set between Alien (1979) and Aliens (1986), the film starred Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, and Isabela Merced.

Fans were quick to wonder if Álvarez would continue shaping the story with a sequel, but it turns out that won’t be the case.

Speaking at HorrorHound Weekend, Álvarez explained why he isn’t returning to direct Alien: Romulus 2.

“I don’t think I was ever going to [direct Alien: Romulus 2]. We always knew right when we finished that this is one of those things where you come in and you do one, and get out.”

Álvarez then referenced James Cameron and David Fincher and added: “…All those directors I love, they just went, did one, [and] they left. Ridley, obviously, he created it, so he has the right to make a bunch of them.

“But we did want to write it. Mostly it’s because we love the characters we created, so we want to make sure no one kills them right at the beginning of the next one…

“They went and killed Hicks and Newt just like that, and we were like, ‘Hey, let’s not let that happen.’ So we wrote it and made sure they stayed alive, and now we can let someone else make it.”

Álvarez also told TooFab that he’s shifting gears toward a “personal project” he’s been developing with his writing partner. “It’s something we’ve been keeping on the back burner for a while,” he shared.

However, not everyone is convinced this is the whole story. Jeff Sneider recently reported on The Hot Mic that there may have been some behind the scenes drama that played a role in Álvarez stepping away from directing duties.

For now, Alien: Romulus 2 is moving forward without a director attached and without a confirmed release date. Fans will just have to wait to see who picks up the torch and where this new corner of the Alien universe will go next.