Fede Alvarez Exits 'Alien: Romulus' Sequel Amid Surprise Departure

Fede Alvarez Steps Down as Director of 'Alien: Romulus' Sequel In a surprise move, Fede Alvarez has announced that he will not be directing the sequel to his 2022 film "Alien: Romulus." The news comes just over a year after the release of the well-received sci-fi horror film, which earned $350 million globally and sparked a new wave of interest in the Alien franchise. According to Alvarez, who spoke with TooFab at Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights on Thursday, he has completed the script for the sequel but will be passing the torch as director. "I'm gonna pass the torch on this one as director," Alvarez said. "I'm going to produce it, with Ridley Scott, we're gonna produce it together, and we're right now trying to find a new filmmaker to come in." The decision marks a significant shift for the franchise, which had been expected to continue under Alvarez's direction. The Chilean filmmaker was widely praised for his work on "Alien: Romulus," which revitalized the Alien brand and introduced a new generation of fans to the iconic sci-fi horror series. Industry insiders say that Alvarez's decision is not unexpected, given the high expectations surrounding the sequel. "Fede has always been a bit of a perfectionist, and he may have felt that he couldn't live up to the standards set by his own film," said one studio executive, who spoke on condition of anonymity. "By stepping down as director, he's able to focus on producing and finding someone who can bring a fresh perspective to the franchise." The news is likely to be met with disappointment from fans, who had been eagerly anticipating the sequel. However, Alvarez's decision may also be seen as an opportunity for the franchise to evolve and take on new life under the direction of a different filmmaker. As for what's next, Alvarez confirmed that he and Scott are actively searching for a new director to take over the project. "We're looking for someone who can bring a unique vision to the film," Alvarez said. "Someone who can take the Alien franchise in a new and exciting direction." The search is likely to be a long and arduous one, but with the success of "Alien: Romulus" still fresh in fans' minds, it's clear that the franchise remains a priority for 20th Century Studios. In related news, Alvarez has been busy working on other projects, including a new film with Kate Green, which is currently in development. *Reporting by Hollywoodreporter.*