How 'Alien: Romulus' fits in the 'Alien' franchise's timeline
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The 'Alien' franchise has been a sci-fi powerhouse since Ridley Scott's 1979 original. With a new installment, 'Alien: Romulus', set to release on Friday, August 23, fans are eager to dive back into the series. However, the 'Alien' timeline is notoriously complex, with prequels and spinoffs adding to the confusion. The 2012 movie 'Prometheus' is a prime example, leaving some viewers unsure of its connection to the franchise.
'Alien: Romulus' may further complicate the chronology, but it also offers a fresh starting point for new fans. With the highly-anticipated film nearing release, enthusiasts are revisiting the series to understand where 'Alien: Romulus' fits. To fully appreciate the franchise's narrative arc, it's essential to know when 'Alien: Romulus' takes place. Understanding when 'Alien: Romulus' is set is key to placing it within the series' timeline, especially with the placement of prequels and spinoffs
The 'Alien' timeline begins with the 'Prometheus' duology
The 2012 film 'Prometheus' may have been released decades after the original 'Alien', but it's actually the first chapter in the franchise's timeline.
Set in 2089 and 2093, the movie follows the crew of the spaceship Prometheus as they uncover clues about humanity's origins. However, they soon find themselves entangled with the sinister Engineers, who seem determined to destroy humanity.
As the story unfolds, connections to the 'Alien' universe become clearer. The film's climax reveals the birth of an ancestral Xenomorph, setting the stage for the iconic creatures.
The prequel series continued with 'Alien: Covenant' in 2017, which takes place 11 years later. This installment exposes the sinister intentions of David, the human-like android, who deliberately designs the deadly Xenomorphs.
Despite shedding light on the franchise's mysteries, 'Alien: Covenant' leaves some questions unanswered. The fate of the crashed Engineer ship, seen in the original 'Alien', remains a mystery. As the most recent 'Alien' film, it's uncertain if a direct sequel will bridge the gap between 'Covenant' and the later movies.
The original 'Alien' series takes place less than 20 years after the events of the 'Prometheus' duology
The original 'Alien' film takes place in 2122, just 18 years after the events of 'Alien: Covenant'. The crew of the Nostromo, led by Ellen Ripley, faces a deadly Xenomorph threat. Meanwhile, Weyland-Yutani seeks to capture a Xenomorph specimen for their own sinister purposes.
The story continues in 'Aliens' (2179), where Ripley, after a long cryogenic sleep, joins a team of soldiers to battle a Xenomorph infestation on LV-426. The sequel, 'Alien 3' (also 2179), concludes with Ripley's sacrifice to eradicate the Xenomorph species.
The franchise jumps forward in time to 'Alien: Resurrection' (2381), where a cloned Ripley must confront a new Xenomorph queen and a human-alien hybrid. This film marks the latest point in the 'Alien' timeline, which remains unchanged even with the upcoming 'Alien: Romulus'.
Where does 'Alien: Romulus' fit in the 'Alien' franchise timeline?
'Alien: Romulus', the seventh main entry in the 'Alien' franchise, releases seven years after 'Alien: Covenant'. Unlike its predecessor, 'Romulus' is a standalone film, set between the events of 'Alien' and 'Aliens', approximately 20 years after the first movie.
The story follows space colonists who encounter a deadly Xenomorph while investigating a lost spaceship.
Embracing a more classic approach, 'Romulus' utilizes practical effects to bring the Xenomorph to life. As a narratively independent film, it's unlikely to have direct ties to previous movies. However, the title 'Alien: Romulus' hints at a mythological connection, similar to 'Prometheus'.
The film's performance will determine if its plot points are explored in future movies. If successful, it may receive direct sequels that link to 'Aliens'. Additionally, a prequel comic for 'Alien: Romulus' is set to release later in 2024, expanding the story further.
'Alien: Romulus' trailer
'Alien: Romulus' is all set to hit theaters on Friday, August 23.