Alien: Romulus’ Cailee Spaeny Recalls Her ‘First Memory’ Of Watching The OG Film And Opens Up Working With Practical Xenomorphs Years Later

As a lifelong gamer and movie enthusiast who’s had his fair share of heart-stopping encounters with terrifying creatures, I can’t help but feel a rush of adrenaline at the prospect of “Alien: Romulus.” With Cailee Spaeny sharing her childhood memories of being petrified by the original film and now stepping into the iconic franchise herself, it feels like destiny.

Among the exciting horror movies scheduled for 2024, one noteworthy title is the upcoming “Alien: Romulus”. To build anticipation, Cailee Spaeny, who stars in this new chapter of the iconic sci-fi film series, has reminisced about her childhood memories of watching the original “Alien” and shared insights into her on-set experiences working with real Xenomorphs.

The young actress shared with Empire magazine how her initial exposure to Ridley Scott’s influential 1979 film left an indelible mark on her and ultimately prepared her for her character in the upcoming movie. In the interview, she reminisced about a powerful memory from her youth that underscored the profound effect the Xenomorph creatures had on her, explaining:

As a child, horror movies sent shivers down my spine. The first time I recall Alien was when my dad watched it in our living room. With an innocent curiosity, I thought I’d give it a try. However, as soon as the chest-bursting scene unfolded, I gasped, ‘Oh no, not for me!’ and dashed to my room. Yet, my curiosity persisted, causing me to repeatedly sneak up the stairs only to be startled again and retreat hastily downstairs.

In the beginning, watching the movie Alien sparked her interest that eventually led to her involvement in the series, creating a special closure in her professional journey. On the other hand, director Fede Álvarez sought to reconnect with the original essence of the franchise for Romulus by using practical effects and animatronics, inviting some of the original visual effects artists from Alien to be part of the team.

Spaeny shared her enthusiasm for collaborating with genuine Xenomorph creatures instead of just using computer-generated imagery. She added:

The masterful puppeteers truly excelled in their craft, skillfully animating these fictional beings. Frankly, such artistry seems scarcely seen nowadays; we’ve transitioned towards more digital effects like green screens and tennis ball replacements. It’s refreshing to revisit this traditional approach, and I believe the authenticity shines through on screen.

Alien: Romulus’ Cailee Spaeny Recalls Her ‘First Memory’ Of Watching The OG Film And Opens Up Working With Practical Xenomorphs Years Later

The distinctive designs of H.R. Giger’s iconic creatures significantly contributed to the creation of a chilling and enigmatic environment on the set of Alien: Romulus. Even today, Giger’s extraordinary artistic style, which seamlessly combines human anatomy with machinery and alien elements, still leaves viewers feeling uneasy yet captivated.

Spaeny admitted that Giger’s designs stirred up a deep-seated dread within her, noting that despite numerous meetings with the Xenomorphs on set, they continued to instill fear in her throughout the filming process. In her own words, she stated:

In a similar fashion to how HR Giger manipulated the human form and erotic elements, there’s an almost instinctual, primal response. Just gazing upon that creature sends shivers down your spine, and even after numerous encounters, it remains startling. When I interact with it during filming scenes, the terror is still palpable.

With August 16th fast approaching, when “Alien: Romulus” will grace our screens, Cailee Spaeny’s recollections of her childhood moments on set hint at a return to the franchise’s origins. Personally, I can hardly wait to experience this throwback feel. Meanwhile, rewatching the original “Alien” films in sequence might help stir up the same mood for the upcoming movie.

2024-08-04 22:37

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