Key Takeaways:
– ‘Alien: Romulus’ has already grossed over $108 million globally.
– A returning character, Rook, the damaged synthetic, ignites mixed reactions among fans.
– Director Fede Álvarez used a combination of animatronics, CG, and deepfake to bring back actor Ian Holm’s character, Ash.
– The film slots between Alien and Aliens in the franchise’s timeline.
– Some viewers have criticized the use of Ian Holm’s likeness and questioned the quality of CG.
Now playing in theaters around the world, ‘Alien: Romulus’ is raking in rave reviews and box office success. Besides the thrilling scenes and outstanding performances that are capturing audiences, one aspect has become particularly controversial: the surprise return of a certain character from the original movie.
The character in question is Rook, a damaged synthetic who is actually the same model as Ash, the character played by Ian Holm in Ridley Scott’s original Alien film. This nostalgic return has ignited mixed reactions among viewers, igniting a massive discussion about the morality and quality of the return.
Resurrecting Ash: A Blend of Old and New Techniques
To bring back the character of Ash, director Fede Álvarez and his team used a combination of animatronics, computer graphics (CG), and deepfake technology. Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter (THR), Álvarez shed some light on the behind-the-scenes process.
Most of the pioneering work was done by Metaphysic, a company that enhanced the puppet version of Ash. Using an Ian Holm headcast found from ‘The Lord of the Rings’ production, the Legacy Effects team created animatronic models that paved the way in resurrecting Ash. To perfect the sync of dialogues, some scenes required additional help from CG while others leaned on the magic of animatronics used seamlessly with today’s technology.
To ensure the life-like appearance of the eyes, the team likely used deepfake technology. These techniques, although not fully disclosed, together provided a convincing portrayal of Ash, balancing techniques from the 70s and 80s with the latest tech innovations.
Reviving Ash: A Tribute or a Misstep?
Despite the impressive use of technology, the portrayal of Ash has stirred up controversy among fans. Álvarez shared that both he and Ridley Scott felt it was unfair Ash had not featured in the franchise again given that other android characters had multiple opportunities to do so. They used Holm’s likeness with permissions from his family. However, some fans have criticized this, questioning whether the filmmakers should have used an actor’s likeness posthumously. Others have taken issue with what they deem as subpar CG quality.
Regardless of the debate, ‘Alien: Romulus’ is undeniably a success. Positioned between the events of Alien and Aliens, it follows a group of young individuals who stumble upon an utterly terrifying life form. With a star-studded cast boasting names like Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Isabela Merced, Archie Renaux, Spike Fearn, and Aileen Wu, the film has received largely positive reviews.
Even with its share of clunky moments and a somewhat muddled attempt to tie into Ridley Scott’s ‘Prometheus’ and ‘Alien: Covenant,’ the film is characterized by many as one of the best installments in the long-running franchise.
However, just like any other blockbuster, the film is not without its critics. While some fans cheer the return of Ash, others continue to debate both the moral implications of using an actor’s likeness posthumously and the quality of the CG used. But, it’s clear that ‘Alien: Romulus’ has become a major talking point among movie enthusiasts, undoubtedly amplifying the film’s impact on the box office and the Alien franchise.
