Fede Álvarez, the director behind the science fiction and fantasy film Alien: Romulus, announced that the production of the sequel would begin under a single condition. The filmmaker, who steered Romulus to theaters, spoke with reporters about the upcoming chapter and the role of visual effects in shaping its look. Álvarez said the next film in the Alien franchise is not far off, and the screenplay has been crafted with utmost energy. He also reassured fans that he has no plans to abandon the project for other assignments and intends to move straight into Alien: Romulus 2. When asked about the start date for filming, he offered promising news: principal photography could begin within the year, provided the key precondition is met.
Specifically, Álvarez explained that filming would only commence this year if the visual effects team can be confirmed to return. He named Eric Barba, a veteran Oscar-winning VFX artist, along with Makarin, who contributed to the first Romulus project, as essential collaborators. He remarked that the partners who helped bring the initial film to life would determine whether the production timeline can move forward. The director added that the sequel would push deeper into unexplored territory, venturing to places and situations audiences have never imagined for this universe. He hinted that the narrative would expand beyond familiar boundaries, inviting fresh discoveries about the Alien universe.
The first film, Alien: Romulus, opened in cinemas in August 2024 and proved successful at the box office and with critics alike. It earned notable recognition, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Visual Effects, signaling strong support for a continued cinematic voyage in the franchise. Industry observers in North America, including Canada and the United States, are watching closely to see how the creative team builds on that momentum. As production plans unfold, fans are left speculating about the destinations and dilemmas that await the crew in the next installment.
While the project remains contingent on the reassembly of a top-tier VFX roster, the possibility of filming this year hinges on the collaboration of Barba and Makarin and their teams. If those names can rejoin, Álvarez would press ahead with principal photography, aiming to deliver a film that lives up to the expectations of a contemporary audience used to high-octane visuals and immersive set pieces. The director’s comments underscore a broader reality in big-budget cinema: the success of a sequel often depends as much on the people behind the visuals as on the story itself. For fans in both Canada and the United States, the prospect of seeing Romulus 2 on the big screen remains exciting and suggestive of a larger, ongoing expansion of the Alien universe that blends practical effects with cutting-edge digital techniques.
Industry watchers in Canada and the United States await official word on the start date and on the return of the essential VFX crew as the project evolves. (Source: interviews with Fede Álvarez and production notes.)