The future of the Alien franchise's cinematic branch has hit a mysterious snag. While the acclaimed TV series Alien: Earth on FX is charging ahead with its second season, plans for a follow-up to last year's hit film Alien: Romulus have stalled, leaving its stars in the dark.
In a new interview, actor David Jonsson, who played Andy in the film, could offer no concrete update on the proposed sequel. "Whatever it is and whenever it happens, I can't quite say," Jonsson told ShowtimeSpot, echoing similar non-answers he gave at last year's Toronto International Film Festival. The project's momentum was derailed last September when director Fede Álvarez, who successfully revived the big-screen series, stepped away from the director's chair, though he remains attached as a producer.
A Promising Start, Then Radio Silence
Alien: Romulus was a major success in 2024, grossing $350 million worldwide and earning the best reviews the franchise had seen in years. Its fresh take, focusing on a younger group of space colonizers encountering the Xenomorph threat for the first time, was widely praised. A sequel was quickly greenlit, with a script from Álvarez and co-writer Rodo Sayagues reportedly ready to go, intending to bring back survivors Rain (Cailee Spaeny) and Andy (Jonsson).
However, the search for a new director to replace Álvarez appears to have hit a wall. No announcements have been made, and Jonsson's comments suggest the cast and creative team are as much in the dark as the fans. This creates an uncertain path forward for the film series, especially as the television counterpart, like other sci-fi revivals, continues to build its world.
Jonsson Celebrates the Franchise's New Direction
Despite the sequel's cloudy status, Jonsson expressed immense pride in Romulus and excitement for the franchise's overall direction. "It's a world that is thrilling on screen," he said. "With us being a predominantly younger cast, it's completely changed what the Alien universe was, and opened up the possibility for what it could be."
He highlighted how both Romulus and Earth have successfully reinvented the iconic universe created by Ridley Scott. "Those projects that help reinvent what cinema is and what it can be are the ones I always want to be involved in," Jonsson added, celebrating the new creative energy in the storied sci-fi horror series.
What's Next for David Jonsson?
While he waits for news from the Alien hive, Jonsson's career continues to ascend. His next project is the intense prison drama Wasteman, where he stars opposite Tom Blyth. Jonsson plays Taylor, an inmate nearing release whose chance at freedom and meeting his son is threatened by a ruthless new cellmate, Dee (Blyth), who aims to control the prison's drug trade.
Directed by Cal McMau, Wasteman premiered to critical acclaim and holds a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes. The film, which explores a desperate struggle for redemption, hits U.S. theaters this Friday, April 17. Jonsson's rising profile also includes a role in the acclaimed Stephen King adaptation The Long Walk, cementing his status as a compelling new dramatic actor. For fans of gripping character drama, this is one to watch, much like the anticipated tension in projects such as 'Tulsa King'.
For now, the fate of Andy and the next Alien movie remains one of Hollywood's unanswered questions. Stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot for any future developments on this and other major franchise news, including updates on action series comebacks.
