Warning: This article contains spoilers for Alien: Romulus.Alien: Romulus director Fede Alvarez shares a behind-the-scenes video showcasing the practical effects that went into making the new hybrid xenomorph that appears in the final act of the latest installment. The new Alien film has so far been a success, holding an 80% Rotten Tomatoes score from critics and an 86% from viewers, while also grossing $230 million worldwide. Much of its success has been attributed to its originality and tributes to previous films, including Alien: Romulus‘ shocking ending.
On Instagram, Alien: Romulus director Fede Álvarez has shared a new BTS video that shows off the new alien and human hybrid (also known as the offspring) in full. Check out the video below:
The video shows actor Cailee Spaeny being dwarfed by the sheer height of former basketball player Robert Bobroczkyi, the athlete turned actor who plays the offspring. Álvarez is seen talking to Bobroczkyi, possibly discussing the scene or giving notes to the actor.
How Alien: Romulus’ New Xenomorph Pays Tribute To Past Movies
This isn’t the first time a human hybrid version of the xenomorph has made it to the silver screen. In Alien Resurrection‘s ending, a human hybrid is made by a clone of the Alien Queen with the help of human DNA. The hybrid in this film looks more like a xenomorph, with a human face at the end of an elongated head. While there are similarities, including a tall, skinny body, the human hybrid in Alien: Romulus more resembles the Engineers from Prometheus and Alien: Covenant, which is probably due to the black goo used to make the monstrosity.
Álvarez even confirmed directly that he was pulling from
Prometheus
and
Alien: Covenant
‘s mythology for the xenomorph-human hybrid in
Romulus
‘ ending.
The sudden appearance of the offspring in Alien: Romulus may feel familiar, especially to the ending of the original Alien. Álvarez has essentially recreated the famous ending of the original film with his own twist, as in the end of Alien, Sigourney Weaver’s Ripley is seemingly far away from trouble in the escape pod when it’s revealed that the xenomorph is onboard. The end of Álvarez’s film plays out similarly, where Rain, Andy, and Kay seem to be out of harm’s reach until Kay gives birth to the offspring.
This ending has been the hot topic of many discussions, splitting those who didn’t enjoy it and those who did in half. The former speak of an absurd ending and creature design that reminds them of what they consider to be the two lesser films of the franchise (Prometheus and Alien: Covenant), while the latter applaud the nightmarish design of the offspring and the twist of an already remarkable, visceral film. Álvarez’s video is a delectable treat to the fans of Alien: Romulus, providing a look into the practical effects and hard work that went into making the film.
Source: Fede Alvarez/Instagram
