After Alien: Romulus – Should Only One Legacy Character Return?

Felix Dubois

5 min read

Post on May 27, 2025

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The Argument for a Single Returning Character

The decision to bring back a legacy character, or characters, needs careful consideration. A carefully curated selection can significantly impact the success of Alien: Romulus.

Maintaining Narrative Focus

Introducing too many legacy characters risks derailing the central narrative. The focus should be on introducing compelling new characters and exploring their experiences within the terrifying Alien universe.

• Avoids fan service at the expense of a cohesive storyline: Over-reliance on nostalgia can overshadow the need for a well-structured plot, creating a disjointed and ultimately unsatisfying viewing experience for both longtime fans and newcomers.
• Allows for fresh perspectives and character development: New characters bring fresh perspectives and allow for organically developed character arcs, free from the constraints of pre-existing backstories and established character traits.
• Simplifies the plot and prevents convoluted character arcs: A smaller cast of characters, with a balanced blend of newcomers and a single legacy character, simplifies the narrative, allowing for greater depth in character development and a more focused storyline.

Passing the Torch Effectively

A single, well-chosen returning character can serve as a crucial bridge between the past and the future of the franchise. This character can mentor or guide the new protagonists, seamlessly transferring the legacy of the Alien saga.

• Provides a connection to the past without relying on nostalgia: A carefully chosen character can offer a meaningful connection to the franchise's history without resorting to cheap nostalgia grabs. Their presence grounds the new story in the established universe while allowing for fresh narratives.
• Offers an opportunity for emotional resonance and character growth: The interaction between the legacy character and the new protagonists can create emotionally resonant moments and provide opportunities for significant character development in both.
• Allows for a clear passing of the mantle to the new generation of characters: The returning character's role acts as a symbolic passing of the torch, signifying the franchise's evolution while honoring its heritage.

The Arguments Against Multiple Returning Characters

While the appeal of seeing beloved characters return is undeniable, introducing multiple legacy characters presents significant challenges.

Risk of Overshadowing New Characters

Multiple returning characters risk stealing the spotlight from the new protagonists, hindering their development and potentially alienating viewers unfamiliar with the franchise's history.

• Potential for fan service to detract from the overall plot: While fan service can be enjoyable, it should not come at the expense of a well-crafted narrative. Prioritizing fan service over storytelling can lead to a fragmented and ultimately unsatisfying experience.
• May lead to uneven screen time and unbalanced character arcs: With multiple returning characters, achieving a balanced narrative becomes significantly more difficult, potentially resulting in uneven screen time and underdeveloped character arcs.
• Risks alienating new audiences unfamiliar with the legacy characters: New viewers may feel lost or overwhelmed by the presence of multiple returning characters whose backstories and relationships are unknown to them.

Narrative Complexity and Potential for Inconsistency

The inclusion of multiple legacy characters can dramatically increase the complexity of the plot, increasing the risk of inconsistencies with established canon.

• Requires careful planning and writing to avoid plot holes: Integrating multiple established characters requires meticulous planning and writing to avoid plot holes and maintain narrative coherence.
• Increased risk of disappointing fans who have strong attachments to specific characters: Satisfying all fans with multiple returning characters is nearly impossible, leading to potential disappointment and negative critical response.
• Challenges in seamlessly integrating established character arcs into a new narrative: Successfully weaving established character arcs into a new narrative without disrupting the flow or undermining the new characters is a formidable challenge.

The Ideal Candidate for a Single Return

Selecting the ideal candidate for a single return requires careful consideration of several factors. Several characters could potentially fill this role, but the choice must align with the film’s overarching narrative and thematic goals.

• Consideration of character relevance to the new storyline: The selected character should have a meaningful connection to the plot of Alien: Romulus. Their presence should enhance, not detract from, the narrative.
• Assessment of the character's potential for mentoring new protagonists: The ideal character should possess the wisdom, experience, and personality traits necessary to effectively mentor and guide the new generation of heroes.
• Analysis of the character's enduring popularity and fan appeal: While not the sole deciding factor, the character's enduring popularity and positive reception among fans should be considered, as their presence can enhance the film's marketability and appeal.

Conclusion

The decision regarding which, if any, legacy characters appear in Alien: Romulus is critical to the film's success. While the desire to satisfy longtime fans is understandable, prioritizing a cohesive and engaging narrative for both established and new audiences is crucial. Focusing on a single, strategically chosen returning character offers the best path forward, allowing for a successful balance between legacy and innovation. By carefully integrating a key figure from the past, Alien: Romulus can effectively pass the torch to a new generation, ensuring the franchise's continued success while remaining true to its rich history. Let's discuss: which single Alien legacy character do you think should return? Share your thoughts on the best approach to balancing legacy and innovation in the comments below.