Director of Alien: Romulus Explains the Significance of the Film’s Title

In a 2004 interview with Film International, “Alien” screenwriter Walter Hill explained the choice of the name “Nostromo” for the ill-fated spaceship in the film. Hill admitted, “There was no particular metaphoric idea behind it; I just thought it sounded good.”

In contrast, “Alien: Romulus” director and co-writer Fede Álvarez provided more context about the name “Romulus” in a recent interview with SFX magazine. In the film, the main action unfolds on a derelict space station called the Renaissance, which has drifted into the orbit of a colony world named Jackson’s Star. The Renaissance is divided into two sections: Romulus and Remus, names derived from Roman mythology. According to the myth, Romulus and Remus were twin brothers raised by a she-wolf. Romulus eventually killed Remus and founded Rome, naming the city after himself.

Álvarez pointed out that Weyland-Yutani, the fictional corporation in the “Alien” series, often incorporates references to Roman mythology in its naming conventions. For example, Acheron, the planet in “Aliens” where Hadley’s Hope is located, is named after a river from Greek and Roman mythology associated with the underworld. “There’s a clear pattern of Weyland-Yutani’s fascination with Roman symbols and names,” Álvarez noted.

However, the choice of “Romulus” also goes beyond this Roman theme. The name symbolizes the company’s fixation on xenomorphs and has deeper connections to the film’s central characters and themes.

Alien: Romulus” Explores Sibling Dynamics

Similar to the original “Alien,” “Alien: Romulus” focuses on a small group of humans and a synthetic character. However, unlike the secretive Ash from the original film, David Jonsson’s character, Andy, is openly a synthetic. Jonsson shared with SFX that Andy’s role is different from previous synthetics in the franchise. “Andy was given to Rain [Cailee Spaeny] by her father before his passing, intended as a guardian. This naturally developed into a sibling-like bond.”

In “Romulus,” the story unfolds as the Renaissance arrives in orbit around Jackson’s Star. Rain, eager to escape her bleak situation, plans to leave the planet with her ex-boyfriend Tyler (Archie Renaux), Tyler’s sister Kay (Isabela Merced), Tyler’s fellow miner Bjorn (Spike Fearn), and Bjorn’s adopted sister Navarro (Aileen Wu). Director Fede Álvarez explained to SFX, “The six main characters represent different aspects of siblinghood: some are related by blood, while others have developed sibling-like relationships through shared experiences.”

The name “Romulus” carries a dark undertone for these sibling relationships, echoing the myth of Romulus and Remus, which ends with fratricide. Álvarez hinted that the film will explore themes of familial loyalty and betrayal. Set between “Alien,” where the synthetic Ash considers his human crewmates expendable, and “Aliens,” featuring the more empathetic Bishop, “Romulus” will examine how Andy’s relationship with Rain unfolds and whether it reflects a genuine sibling bond.

Connections to “Prometheus” and “Covenant”

A recent promo for “Alien: Romulus” highlighted its place in the series timeline, referencing “Prometheus” and “Alien: Covenant,” which serve as prequels to the original “Alien.” These films introduced Michael Fassbender’s android David and his twin, Walter, whose relationship ultimately mirrors that of Romulus and Remus.

Álvarez noted that the title “Romulus” ties into the broader themes of the series. In “Prometheus,” the Weyland-Yutani ship’s name reflects the Titan Prometheus, who defied the gods by giving fire to humanity. This ambition is echoed in Weyland’s quest to uncover the secrets of eternal life from the Engineers.

Álvarez added that “Romulus” also symbolizes Weyland-Yutani’s ongoing efforts to exploit more advanced species, akin to humans attempting to harness the power of a superior alien species. Given the state of the Renaissance when the colonists discover it, the film suggests that Weyland-Yutani’s attempts to control these powerful entities have had disastrous results, consistent with the franchise’s history.