At the recent Gotham Awards, renowned for honoring independent cinema, Cailee Spaeny injected a hint of anticipation for 20th Century Studios’ upcoming venture, “Alien: Romulus,” while gracing the red carpet on Monday night. The luminary from “Priscilla” is taking the helm in the Fede Alvarez-directed revival, touted as a distinctive narrative within the expansive “Alien” universe. Spaeny, shedding light on the film’s position in the franchise’s chronology, has confirmed a prevailing rumor.
According to Spaeny, “Alien: Romulus” is slated to unfold between the inaugural and sophomore installments of the franchise. Drawing parallels to the James Cameron-helmed “Aliens,” Spaeny reveals that the skilled artisans behind the creation of the iconic xenomorphs from the second movie have been enlisted for their expertise in crafting the extraterrestrial entities in their production. Witnessing the revival of the original design by the individuals who have dedicated over four decades to the “Alien” legacy has proven to be a profoundly exhilarating experience for Spaeny.
The original 1979 sci-fi horror masterpiece by Ridley Scott culminated with Sigourney Weaver’s Ellen Ripley expelling a xenomorph from her escape pod, entering cryogenic sleep for an extended journey back to human civilization. James Cameron then took the reins seven years later with “Aliens,” where Ripley embarks on a military mission to investigate a potential xenomorph threat to a distant space colony. The connection of “Alien: Romulus” to Ripley or the events unfolding in the initial two entries remains shrouded in uncertainty.
Reflecting on her cinematic journey, Spaeny, known for her role in the 2018 kaiju sequel “Pacific Rim: Uprising,” likens her return to the realm of big-budget sci-fi to a homecoming. Transitioning from high heels and beehive hairdos, she enthusiastically embraced spacesuits and intricate wire work. Expressing her joy in diversifying her roles, Spaeny emphasizes her admiration for classic ’70s and ’80s action sci-fi films, highlighting her deep respect for the intellectual property and Sigourney Weaver, considering it a legendary privilege to be part of this cinematic legacy.
While on the Gothams’ vibrant carpet, Spaeny addresses Variety’s report on Lisa Marie Presley’s dismay over scripts for “Priscilla” before its production. The late daughter of Elvis Presley, expressing concerns about her father’s portrayal in the film, asserted that he came across as a manipulative predator. Spaeny empathizes with Lisa Marie Presley, acknowledging the emotional weight of her sentiments, but underscores her dedication to connecting with Priscilla and ensuring her sense of security and accurate representation throughout the storytelling process.
Having earned a nomination for outstanding lead performance in “Priscilla” at this year’s Gotham Awards, Spaeny’s eagerly awaited “Alien: Romulus” is scheduled to grace theaters on August 16, 2024.
