“It needed that kind of close encounter feeling of seeing that the actors are in the same environment with whatever’s the threat,” Álvarez, known for “Evil Dead” and “Don’t Breathe,” said. “It works not just for the audience, but for us, as well. When it comes to making the movie, it just makes everything way more complicated, but I think it makes for better movies.”
The lifelike creatures and commitment to practical effects proved to create a chilling final product — at least for those in the crowd at Comic-Con International, who were treated to some extended scenes and clips during a panel promoting the movie. The audience of over 6,000 people gasped and cheered during the scenes, which Álvarez said he edited deceptively to avoid spoilers ahead of the theatrical release this week.
To accomplish the practical effects, Álvarez enlisted a team of filmmakers who have worked with the infamous Stan Winston, the special effects artist known for his work in the “Terminator” series, the first three “Jurassic Park” films and, of course, “Aliens.” Several of the behind-the-scenes creatives on “Romulus” have worked on previous “Alien” movies — including Ridley Scott, who is a producer on the upcoming movie.
“From a film lover’s standpoint, these guys — they’re responsible for some of the best creatures in Hollywood, so to have them around it sort of adds to the joy of what filmmaking and entertainment is all about. That was just a real treat,” Spaeny said. “I think it makes such a difference, not just for the actors and the crew making the movie, but hopefully for the audience, as well.”