45 years after the premiere of Alien: the eighth passengerthe science fiction and horror film directed by Ridley Scottstarring Sigourney Weaver and released in theaters in 1979, introduced audiences to a hitherto unknown universe, fusing two genres in a compelling story that was followed by several sequels and led to successful products including comics, video games, novels, consumer products, and a fandom. growing on social networks.
Today, fans of the Alien saga are physically and virtually around the world to celebrate a new edition of the “Alien Day”, the date that pays tribute to the franchise. This year, in addition, the commemorations coexist with the wait for the arrival in theaters of a new installment that expands the universe of the saga. On August 15th it premieres Alien: Romulusa new science fiction and horror thriller that returns to the roots of the franchise with a story that takes place just after the events of the first film.
April 26: only for connoisseurs
First commemorated in 2016, “Alien Day” is celebrated every April 26 due to a key fact within the saga. In the story of Alien: The Eighth Passenger, the crew led by Lieutenant Ripley (Weaver) arrives at the planet Acheron, known by its planetary designation as LV-426, home to feared creatures called Xenomorphs. On April 26, then, she refers to the number 426, understood with the date format used in the United States.
In 2016, the global community of fans of the franchise began to pay tribute to it with small events that little by little gained popularity and impact. Over the years, 20th Century Studios and the talents behind the films have joined in the commemorations, celebrating with fans the stories, beloved characters and unique legacy of the saga.
Alien: a before and after in science fiction cinema
Considered one of the most influential science fiction and horror films of all time, Alien: The Eighth Passenger is the terrifying story of a crew aboard a commercial spaceship that lands on an alien planet to investigate a mysterious transmission of unknown origin. and encounters the deadliest life form in the universe. Together with Weaver, they lead the cast Tom Skerritt, Veronica Cartwright, Harry Dean Stanton, John Hurt, Ian Holm and Yaphet Kotto.
For its unique approach to the science fiction genre, and the subgenre of space stories, as well as its modern visual imprint and its stellar cast, Alien: The Eighth Passenger became a resounding box office success, while being praised by the critics and in the industry for its innovative visual effects. It won an Oscar in the Best Visual Effects category. Over time, Alien: The Eighth Passenger became a pop culture icon, with certain images from the film etched into the collective retina forever.
The story, in turn, became a franchise with the release of successive titles: Aliens in 1986; Alien 3 in 1992; Alien: The Resurrection in 1997; Alien vs. Predator in 2004; Alien vs. Predator 2 in 2007; the 2012 prequel Prometheus and finally, its 2017 sequel Alien: Covenant.
Alien: Romulus, the future of the saga
Soon, the event will be in movie theaters to continue enjoying the franchise. Alien: Romulusa terrifying cinematic experience that will excite fans and will create a new generation of fans.
In the story, a group of young space colonists explore the depths of an abandoned space station, coming face to face with the most terrifying life form in the universe.
The cast of the new film is led by Cailee Spaeny (Priscilla), David Johnson (Agatha Christie’s Murder is Easy), Archie Renaux (Shadow and bone), Isabella Merced (The Last of Us), Spike Fearn (Aftersun) and Aileen Wuunder the direction of the Uruguayan director Fede Alvarez (Infernal Possession, Don’t Breathe).
Source: Ambito
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
