The Original ‘Alien’ Film is set for Theatrical Re-release after Four Decades, ahead of the New Sequel

If you are a fan of horror genre films and crave an authentic horror film that can give you chills down the spine, the 1979 film Alien is for you. The iconic sci-fi horror Alien is returning to theaters with a re-release planned on April 26, allowing new audiences to experience the classic on the big screen. When the film marked its release forty-five years ago, it proved to be extremely successful at the box office. The film was also honored with the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects.

Directed by Ridley Scott and co-written by Dan O’Bannon and Ronald Shusett, the film follows the story of the crew of the commercial space tug Nostromo. After coming across a mysterious derelict spaceship on an uncharted planetoid, they find themselves up against a deadly and aggressive extraterrestrial loose within their vessel. The film stars Tom Skerritt, Sigourney Weaver, Veronica Cartwright, Harry Dean Stanton, John Hurt, Ian Holm, and Yaphet Kotto. The film is widely considered one of the greatest and most influential science fiction and horror films of all time. 

Following the film’s critical and commercial success, Alien spawned a media franchise of films, books, video games, and toys. The thematic and narrative core of the original film became the basis of the sequels Aliens (1986), Alien 3 (1992), and Alien Resurrection (1997).

When the film’s original narrative finally reached its conclusion with its sequels, Ridley Scott once again returned to the directing chair to develop prequel stories to his classics, including Prometheus and Alien: Covenant. Now, the Alien series will make a comeback with the upcoming interquel Alien: Romulus. 

Is the re-release of Alien before the release of its upcoming interquel a part of the marketing strategy?

The release of the decades-old film Alien, which comes ahead of the release of the upcoming film Alien: Romulus, is like a treat for those who have been deprived of some great horror content to date. While the makers’ decision to re-launch the film was indeed fantastic, it also benefits them in certain ways. Releasing the original film right before the release of the upcoming interquel serves as an opportunity to promote the next installment of the franchise. Alien: Romulus. 

The upcoming sci-fi horror film is the seventh installment in the Alien franchise and is set between the events of Alien (1979) and Aliens (1986). The film follows a group of young space colonizers who, while scavenging a derelict space station, come face to face with the most terrifying life form in the universe. 

Directed by Fede Álvarez, the film features Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, Spike Fearn, and Aileen Wu.

Alien: Romulus is scheduled to be released on August 16, 2024.