Alien: Romulus, Alien: Resurrection, and Sigourney Weaver’s Enduring Legacy

The Alien franchise has long been a cornerstone of science fiction horror, capturing the imaginations of audiences for over four decades. With the release of Alien: Romulus, the seventh installment in the series, fans are once again thrust into the terrifying universe where xenomorphs reign supreme. Directed by Fede Alvarez, Alien: Romulus arrives 45 years after Ridley Scott’s original Alien film, which set the standard for the genre. This new chapter is currently captivating audiences in theaters, but many are already eager to know when they can stream it from the comfort of their homes.

Sigourney Weaver’s portrayal of Lt. Ellen Ripley has been central to the franchise’s enduring appeal. Weaver reprised her iconic role in three sequels, each time bringing a unique depth and strength to the character. Her involvement in the series has been pivotal, making her one of the most recognizable figures in sci-fi cinema. Alien: Romulus is set between the events of the original Alien and its first sequel, Aliens, providing a fresh yet familiar narrative that explores new dimensions of the terrifying universe.

In Alien: Romulus, a group of young adults finds themselves trapped in a mining colony, desperately trying to escape. Their plight worsens when they inadvertently awaken a horde of facehugger xenomorphs, unleashing chaos and terror. The film’s setting and plot promise to deliver the intense suspense and horror that fans have come to expect from the franchise. Currently, the only way to experience this new chapter is by watching it in theaters, but plans for its digital release are already in motion.

When it comes to home entertainment, Alien: Romulus will first be available as a premium video on demand (PVOD). This means that viewers can purchase or rent the film on platforms like Prime Video, AppleTV+, and Vudu. Given that 20th Century Studios, a subsidiary of Disney, is behind the film’s release, the PVOD pattern will likely follow Disney’s typical timeline, which is usually around 60 days after the theatrical debut. This strategy allows the film to maximize its box office potential before transitioning to digital platforms.

Disney’s streaming services, Disney+ and Hulu, play a crucial role in the film’s subsequent release stages. Alien: Romulus is expected to make its streaming debut on Hulu, following a pattern observed with other 20th Century Studios films. Typically, this occurs about 90 days after the film’s theatrical release, although some titles have appeared on the platform even earlier. This approach ensures that fans who prefer streaming won’t have to wait too long to enjoy the latest addition to the Alien saga.

As fans eagerly await the streaming release of Alien: Romulus, many have taken the opportunity to revisit previous films in the franchise, including the often-maligned Alien: Resurrection. Directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, Alien: Resurrection has garnered a mixed reception since its release in 1997. Despite its initial criticism, some viewers have found renewed appreciation for the film’s unique blend of action and horror elements. Sigourney Weaver’s return as Ripley, albeit in a cloned form known as Ripley 8, adds a fascinating layer to the narrative.

Alien: Resurrection is set 200 years after the events of Alien 3, where scientists successfully clone Ripley to harvest the alien queen growing inside her. Their goal is to breed a new race of xenomorphs, but things quickly spiral out of control when the creatures escape and turn against their creators. Ripley 8, with her hybrid nature, must lead a group of smugglers to safety amidst the chaos. The film’s bold themes and unexpected twists have led some to re-evaluate its place within the franchise, finding it more enjoyable than initially thought.

One of the standout aspects of Alien: Resurrection is its exploration of Ripley 8’s character. Sigourney Weaver’s performance brings a nuanced complexity to this version of Ripley, who possesses both human and alien traits. Her relationship with the xenomorphs and her struggle with identity add depth to the story. Additionally, the film features Winona Ryder as Call, an android with her own set of conflicts and loyalties. The dynamic between Ripley and Call introduces queer-coded undertones, further enriching the narrative.

The sexualization present in Alien: Resurrection is particularly bold, considering the franchise’s recurring themes of consent and assault allegory. Ripley’s character, who has often been portrayed as a victim, takes on a more empowered role in this installment. Her control over the situation and her interactions with the aliens reflect a significant shift in her character arc. These elements, combined with the film’s action-packed sequences, create a viewing experience that is both thought-provoking and entertaining.

Despite its initial lukewarm reception, Alien: Resurrection has found a niche audience that appreciates its quirks and ambitions. The film’s Rotten Tomatoes rating is higher than some other entries in the franchise, suggesting that it may not be as universally disliked as once believed. Comparisons to other films like Alien: Covenant and Prometheus highlight its unique position within the series. While not everything in Alien: Resurrection works perfectly, its willingness to push boundaries and explore new ideas makes it a memorable entry.

With the upcoming release of Alien: Romulus, fans are curious to see how it will compare to previous films, including Alien: Resurrection. The anticipation surrounding Romulus is palpable, as it promises to blend elements of classic sci-fi horror with fresh storytelling. As audiences prepare to dive back into the Alien universe, the legacy of Sigourney Weaver’s Ripley continues to loom large, influencing both new and returning characters. Her contributions to the franchise have left an indelible mark, shaping the series’ direction and impact.

For those looking to catch up on the franchise, Alien: Resurrection is available for streaming on Disney Plus, offering a convenient way to revisit Ripley’s adventures. As Alien: Romulus hits theaters and eventually transitions to digital platforms, fans will have the opportunity to experience the full spectrum of the Alien saga. Whether through the lens of nostalgia or newfound appreciation, the franchise’s ability to captivate and terrify remains as strong as ever. Sigourney Weaver’s enduring legacy and the ever-evolving narrative ensure that the Alien series will continue to be a staple of sci-fi horror for years to come.