The upcoming Alien: Romulus has fans both excited and concerned. While the promise of ticking off fan boxes is reassuring, there’s also the fear of it falling into the trap of prioritizing fan service over genuine storytelling, as seen in Alien: Covenant. The film’s placement between Alien and Aliens and the mention of new faces suggest potential for both innovation and a deeper exploration of the franchise’s universe. The key lies in striking the delicate balance between respecting the franchise’s roots and pushing its boundaries, which director Fede Alvarez’s track record suggests he may be well-equipped to do.