Alien: Romulus Director Reveals the Surprising Inspiration Behind the Chestburster Scene

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As a longtime fan of the Alien franchise, I can’t help but be intrigued by the latest addition to the series, Alien: Romulus. The trailer has already given us a glimpse into the terror and suspense that we have come to expect from this iconic science fiction horror series. But what really piqued my interest was the unique approach director Fede Alvarez took when filming the chestburster scene.

The movie “Alien: Romulus,” which is set to hit theaters on August 16, previews a classic element of the horror-sci fi franchise: an unsettling chestburster scene. Since the original “Alien” shocked audiences with John Hurt’s gruesome demise in 1979, each subsequent film has included this terrifying motif. In an exclusive interview with Total Film, director Fede Alvarez disclosed that he approached filming the chestburster scene as if it were a natural history documentary, resulting in unexpectedly comedic outcomes.

Alvarez acknowledges that the movie combines the fear from “Alien” and the action in “Aliens.” However, filming that particular scene wasn’t at all eerie or frightening for him and the team. Instead, they were joking around and described their actions as if it was a segment from David Attenborough’s “Planet Earth” documentary. He shared:

“The scene was filmed with a natural, documentary-like feel. On set, we quipped that the creature was taking its time to emerge, searching for its mother’s scent. The monster wasn’t trying to be frightening; it was merely desperate to leave its cocoon, which happened to be a person. This approach made the scene seem more authentic, yet didn’t compromise the original designs’ beauty.”

In a less conventional manner for horror films, Alvarez has gained recognition as a skilled director. He’s the mastermind behind “Evil Dead” (2013) and “Don’t Breathe” (2016), known for creating uneasy viewing experiences. This distinctive filmmaking approach suits “Alien: Romulus” perfectly.

What is Alien: Romulus About?

Romulus” is not extensively described, but based on the synopsis and trailer, it seems reminiscent of the first “Alien” film. The movie takes place between the events of “Alien” and “Aliens,” featuring Cailee Spaeny as Rain Carradine, a sister of Andy (David Jonsson), who is from a mining settlement. They join a group of young individuals aiming to make wealth by salvaging valuable equipment from an abandoned space station named Romulus. However, their venture turns sour when they realize they are not alone and encounter the most lethal creature in the universe.

As a gamer, I can tell you that in this movie, Isabela Merced plays the role of Kay, Archie Renaux is Tyler, and Spike Fearn brings Bjorn to life on screen. To maintain the authentic visual style of the first two films, director Alvarez reduced reliance on green screens and instead went for real-life effects and actual sets. This approach gave the film a more timeless vibe that I believe will resonate with fans. However, regarding the chestburster scene, Alvarez has kept those details under wraps – we’ll have to wait and see how he brings that iconic moment to life!

Alien: Romulus
bursts into theaters on August 16, 2024.

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2024-07-24 17:32