“Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way”: Fede Alvarez Reveals How ‘Alien: Romulus’ Pulled Off Its Most Surprising Moment [Exclusive]

Through 2024’s Alien: Romulus, filmmaker Fede Alvarez introduced audiences to an entirely new story with plenty of fresh faces. Ditching the characters of yesteryear — specifically Sigourney Weaver’s Ellen Ripley — the Evil Dead helmer allowed a new wing of the universe to form, giving fans a brand-new leading lady to cheer for in Cailee Spaeny’s Rain Carradine. Still, those who have seen the sci-fi horror film will know that a familiar face from Alien popped by in a sort-of cameo capacity. We are, of course, talking about the late Ian Holm, whose likeness appeared as Rook — an android who shares the same face and functionalities as the actor’s Alien character, Ash. For those of us who caught Romulus during its opening weekend, it’s likely that we went into it blind, not knowing about Holm’s posthumous return to the franchise. And, according to Alvarez, the secrecy surrounding Rook was a lengthy process, but one that he’s proud of the fandom for keeping.