Few movie characters have made as big an impression as Ellen Ripley, Sigourney Weaver’s iconic “Alien” survivor, who starred in four films in the franchise and left big shoes to fill for everyone who has come along since. In “Alien: Romulus,” that’s a young cast of franchise newcomers led by “Priscilla” and “Civil War” star Cailee Spaeny.
Directed by Don’t Breathe and Evil Dead filmmaker Fede Álvarez, the latest installment is set between the events of Alien and Aliens and features a group of young friends desperately trying to escape their dingy mining colony. You’ll, of course, recognise the Xenomorph – HR Giger’s inimitable alien creature – but for everyone else, here’s a handy guide to the cast and characters of Alien: Romulus.
Cailee Spaeny as Rain — A24’s new favorite, Cailee Spaeny, plays Rain; the resourceful, pragmatic protagonist a la Ellen Ripley. Like the rest of her friends, Rain is desperate to get away from her desolate mining planet. She grew up with Andy the android and has a close bond with him. Spaeny’s previous roles also include “Bad Times at the El Royale,” “Pacific Rim: Uprising” and “The Craft: Legacy.” She is also known for the television series “Devs” and “Mare of Eastown.” She will next join the cast of “Knives Out 3.”
David Jonsson as Andy — David Jonsson, star of “Rye Lane,” plays Andy, Rain’s android “brother” who was reprogrammed by their father to take care of her. Jonsson’s previous roles also include HBO’s “Industry” and Fox’s “Deep State.”
Archie Renaux as Tyler — The star of “Shadow and Bone” and “Upgraded” plays Tyler in “Alien: Romulus.” His resume also includes “Morbius,” “Voyagers,” “Catherine Called Birdy” and “The Greatest Beer Run Ever.”
Isabela Merced as Kay — Isabela Merced is best known for playing the live-action Dora the Explorer in Dora and the Lost City of Gold, playing Kay. In addition to her music career and her breakout role in the Nickelodeon series 100 Things to Do Before High School, Merced’s best known work also includes The Next Step, Transformers: The Last Knight, Sicario, and, most recently, Madame Web. She will next play Hawkgirl in James Gunn’s Superman and Dina in Season 2 of The Last of Us.
Aileen Wu as Navarro — Cinema newcomer Aileen Wu plays the role of Navarro in “Alien: Romulus,” her feature film debut as an actress.
Spike Fearn as Björn — The Joker of the group, Björn, is played by Spike Fearn. His previous roles include “Tell Me Everything”, “Aftersun”, “Back to Black” and “The Batman”.
Daniel Betts as Rook — Alien: Romulus brings back a familiar face as a new synth named Rook. While the original actor (we’re being vague here for anyone who hasn’t seen the film) is credited as a reference, Daniel Betts is credited for Rook’s facial and voice performance in Romulus. Betts has an extensive resume, including After the Flood, Fate: The Winx Saga, Allied, Atlantic Crossing, War Machine, The Good Liar, and Fury.
Trevor Newlin as Xenomorph— There’s no shortage of alien monsters in the Alien franchise, but the Xenomorph is one of the most unique and memorable creatures in film history. In Romulus, of course, the creature is brought to life through a variety of effects, including a depiction of a man in a suit credited to Trevor Newlin – and some incredible animatronic effects.
