Disappointing Update on Alien: Romulus Sequel Reveals Only 1 Path for Franchise Icon’s Return

Recent developments about the anticipated sequel to Alien: Romulus have clarified the future of one of its most iconic characters. Director Fede Álvarez’s unexpected success with Alien: Romulus has not only revitalized the classic space horror series but also generated renewed interest in the intricate lore surrounding the fearsome xenomorphs and their ongoing battle against humanity. As a result, a sequel is now in production, along with an upcoming television series titled Alien: Earth, which is set chronologically prior to the original Alien film.

Taking place between the original Alien and its sequel Aliens, Romulus stands as a self-contained narrative within the franchise. While it features numerous Easter eggs that delight long-time fans, it does not directly connect with the major installments of the overarching storyline.Álvarez has provided insights into the direction of the upcoming sequel, indicating that it will continue to focus on the fresh characters introduced in Romulus, signaling a clear path forward without the involvement of a key franchise figure.

Alien: Romulus 2 Will Not Include Sigourney Weaver’s Ripley

The Sequel Will Focus on Characters Introduced in the First Film

Sigourney Weaver as Ripley in a spacesuit from the original Alien

Fede Álvarez has dispelled rumors regarding the return of Sigourney Weaver, best known for her portrayal of the resilient warrant officer Ellen Ripley in the initial four films. After experiencing her first chilling encounter with the xenomorphs in Alien, Ripley undergoes cryostasis, awakening 57 years later during the events of Aliens. She faces the horrors once again in Alien 3, which concludes with her sacrificial death aimed at preventing the birth of a new xenomorph queen, followed by a clone-centric revival in Alien Resurrection.

Notably, the crossover films Alien vs. Predator and Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem are excluded from the franchise’s main continuity, further emphasizing the distinct narrative of the core films.

Given Weaver’s status as the most acclaimed character in the franchise, expectations were high for a possible cameo in Alien: Romulus due to the film’s positioning within the timeline. Speculation heightened with the announcement of a sequel, especially since the first film’s ending leaves room for another timeline jump through the use of cryostasis. However, Álvarez’s straightforward dismissal of the rumor regarding Weaver’s involvement has put an end to these hopes.

Ripley Could Still Reappear in Ridley Scott’s Next Alien Film

Ridley Scott Alludes to a New Film Following the Success of Romulus

Ridley Scott, the visionary director behind the earlier entries in the Alien saga, returned to helm the prequel films Prometheus (2012) and Alien: Covenant (2017).The latter concluded with a tantalizing cliffhanger, leaving fans eager for continuation.Both prequels extensively delve into the backstory of the Alien universe, offering insights into the origins of xenomorphs and humanity, with Scott hinting at a trilogy that suspends after the second installment.

Alien Franchise – Timeline Order
Movie	Release Date	Timeline Year
Alien: Earth	2025	2092
Prometheus	2012	2093
Alien: Covenant	2017	2104
Alien	1979	2122
Alien: Romulus	2024	2142
Aliens	1986	2179
Alien 3	1992	2180
Alien Resurrection	1997	2379

In the timeline, Alien: Covenant occurs roughly 18 years prior to Ripley’s initially recorded encounter with the xenomorphs aboard the Nostromo. As Scott has noted, the cliffhanger of Covenant offers an ideal starting point for the next installment, which could take place before the events of the original Alien film. This creates a beneficial opportunity for Ripley to make a dramatic comeback, bridging Scott’s prequel narratives with the foundational films, potentially utilizing de-aging technology.

Introducing Ripley in Ridley Scott’s Film Makes More Narrative Sense than in Romulus Sequel

An Appearance in Romulus Might Feel Inauthentic

Xenomorph on a spaceship in Alien: Covenant

Placing Ripley back into the Alien narrative is better suited for Scott’s highly anticipated sequel, not only for its chronological position but for its contribution to the overarching storyline.Since Alien: Romulus was designed as a standalone film, its purposeful construction avoids dependence on earlier films, crafting a seamless and tightly woven plot that evokes the original’s chilling suspense.

If Ripley were included, there’s a genuine risk that her presence might feel contrived and serve merely as fan service rather than a natural progression of the story.

This reasoning applies equally for a potential cameo in the sequel to Alien: Romulus. With extensive lore established surrounding the events before and after Romulus, integrating Ripley into the narrative arc of new characters like Rain and Andy could convolute existing storylines and distract from the film’s intent. Given the clear opportunity for Ripley’s return in Scott’s upcoming project, it would be unwise to force her into the Romulus sequel without a meaningful narrative justification.

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