Summary

Alien: Romulus was a successful return to form for the Alien franchise, grossing over $350 million worldwide.
The original stars, Cailee Spaeny and David Jonsson, are likely to return for the Alien: Romulus sequel.
A potential crossover film between Alien and Predator may happen if the individual franchises continue to do well.

Alien: Romulus held a vice grip on audiences earlier this year, climbing the box office rankings and raking in critical acclaim. It was a return to form for the Alien franchise and Disney’s 20th Century Studios is clearly hoping to continue its success.

Alien: Romulus chronologically takes place in 2142, between the events of Alien and Aliens. The movie follows a new group of characters who become trapped on an abandoned space station overrun by terrifying face-huggers and Xenomorphs. Alien: Romulus was written and directed by Don’t Breathe’s Fede Álvarez and produced by original Alien director, Ridley Scott. While originally intended for streaming, similar to 2022’s Predator movie Prey, Disney ended up opting to release Alien: Romulus theatrically. This was fortunate, as the new Alien film grossed over $350 million at the worldwide box office and broke records to become the highest-grossing horror film in IMAX. Alien: Romulus was also well-received by critics and scored 80% on Rotten Tomatos’ Tomatometer.

Alien: Romulus Gets Sequel Update From Studio Boss

Following the success of Alien: Romulus, a sequel to the film has now been all but confirmed by the head of 20th Century Studios. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, 20th Century Studios boss Steve Asbell spoke about the future of the Alien, Predator (and Alien vs. Predator) franchises. Addressing Alien: Romulus, Asbell revealed they were “working on a sequel idea now” with the studio close to closing a deal with Alvarez to return. “[Alvarez] has an idea that we’re working on,” Asbell confirmed.

The studio head also seemingly confirmed that the Alien: Romulus sequel would bring back its original stars Cailee Spaeny and David Jonsson, as the human and android siblings, Rain and Andy. Both actors’ performances were praised as standouts in Alien: Romulus, so it makes sense that the sequel would continue their story. “The two survivors, Rain and Andy, played by Cailee Spaeny and David Jonsson, were real highlights of the film. And so I always think of it like, 'Wow, where do people want to see them go next?' We know there’s going to be aliens. We know there’s going to be great horror set pieces. But I fell in love with both of them and I want to see what their story is,” Asbell said.

The two survivors, Rain and Andy, played by Cailee Spaeny and David Jonsson, were real highlights of the film. And so I always think of it like, 'Wow, where do people want to see them go next?'

An Update on Alien vs. Predator

Surprisingly, Asbell also gave an update on another long-dormant sci-fi title: Alien vs. Predator. 20th Century Studios saw much success with Prey, which was a Predator prequel set in the 1700s. Now that the studio has also gained traction with the Alien franchise once again, it seems like the two sci-fi franchises may be heading for a collision. When asked about a crossover film, Asbell said it would “probably” happen, before clarifying “it wouldn’t be in the way you think.” The executive explained that a new Alien vs. Predator movie would be an organic creation out of the recent continuations of the two legacy franchises, likely with the same characters. However, he also added that they “haven’t gotten to that point, and we’re not just going to bang it out.”

It appears the studio is very focused on continuing its success of the recent runs in both the Alien and Predator franchises, before jumping into crossover ideas. But should the now-confirmed Alien: Romulus sequel and the 2025 Predator movies continue to be winners for 20th Century Studios, the obvious next step would be to see the two worlds collide.

Rating block community and brand ratings Image