Alien fans have long been intrigued by the inconsistent portrayal of android characters throughout the franchise’s history. As the upcoming movie, Alien: Romulus, approaches, speculations are rife about the fate of the new android character, Andy. Following the series’ pattern, there is a potential twist in store if Andy turns out to be another untrustworthy android, adding to the long list of villainous robots in the Alien universe.
The history of android characters in the Alien series has been marked by a mix of heroes and villains. From Ash in Alien to Bishop in Aliens, and then David in Prometheus and Walter in Alien: Covenant, the androids have played pivotal and often ambiguous roles in the storyline. The close relationship between Andy and the heroine in Alien: Romulus, as revealed by director Fede Alvarez, raises the stakes for a potential betrayal, making it a tragic turn of events due to their family connection.
However, the repetition of having another villainous android in Andy may not offer the desired surprise factor for viewers. The predictable nature of this plot twist could detract from the overall impact of the movie. Instead, breaking away from the franchise’s android character pattern by introducing a heroic android could provide a fresh and unexpected angle to Alien: Romulus. By subverting the audience’s expectations, director Fede Alvarez could deliver a more compelling narrative that keeps fans engaged and intrigued.
While maintaining the dark and suspenseful tone of the Alien franchise, Alien: Romulus has the opportunity to explore new territory by challenging the established conventions regarding android characters. Whether Andy turns out to be a villain or a hero, the key lies in Alvarez’s ability to craft a storyline that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats while offering a fresh perspective on the age-old battle between humans, androids, and extraterrestrial threats.
