Fans of the older generation likely grew up enjoying the “Alien” films in theaters, and later on VHS and DVD. However, today’s youth may find themselves disconnected from this iconic sci-fi horror series, aside from perhaps witnessing a Xenomorph on TikTok.

Fede Alvarez, the 46-year-old co-writer and director, kept this younger audience in mind while creating the newest film, “Alien: Romulus,” which arrives in theaters on Friday. “I aimed to ensure that there wasn’t a single moment that could confuse the young viewers,” Alvarez explains.

Featuring an ensemble of emerging stars such as Cailee Spaeny (“Civil War”), David Jonsson (“Rye Lane”), and Isabela Merced (“Turtles All the Way Down”), “Romulus” presents a group of 20-something explorers who seek to escape their mining colony. They raid a decommissioned space station, leading to encounters with Facehuggers, Chestbursters, and the notorious Xenomorphs. While Alvarez insists that viewers don’t need prior knowledge of the series, the film does honor Ridley Scott’s chilling “Alien” from 1979 and James Cameron’s action-packed “Aliens” from 1986.

Director Fede Alvarez creates an ‘Alien’ film for newcomers

Alvarez didn’t focus on “generational” factors when he modernized the horror classic “Evil Dead” in 2013.

“Even though it was rated R, it wouldn’t be surprising if a lot of 12-year-olds watched it just like I did with the original ‘Evil Dead’ at that age,” he remarks. It gained a devoted following, and now those viewers are in their 20s. Recently, Alvarez came across an incredible tattoo of Jane Levy animatedly wielding a chainsaw from “Evil Dead,” covered in fake blood. “It really resonated with them,” he states.

Now, he realizes that for some, “Romulus” will be their introduction to the “Alien” saga. At Comic-Con last month, he shared a story about a young actor who recently watched the earlier “Alien” films, which for him included the two prequels, “Prometheus” and “Alien: Covenant.” (“Sadly, that meant you’re not getting the role,” Alvarez joked.)

While speaking with youthful actors, Alvarez often finds that they aren’t as familiar with pop culture references as he is. He might mention a classic band or film, and they might not recognize them. “It makes you wish you could pass on all the emotions those experiences gave you,” he reflects.

However, he also observes that even when introducing a classic sci-fi or a Led Zeppelin album to a newcomer, they may not grasp its significance. Therefore, with “Romulus,” Alvarez’s main goal was to employ contemporary filmmaking methods, animatronics, and visual effects to evoke the same emotions that classic films elicited for audiences. “That’s the core idea: to create an experience that mirrors the feelings I had watching that original film,” he explains.

‘Alien: Romulus’ explores the ‘dark side’ of ‘Star Wars’

Growing up in Uruguay, Alvarez first experienced “Aliens” on VHS and considered it the “dark counterpart” to “Star Wars.” “Spaceships and guns? Count me in! But then, the level of horror hits you so hard, it’s wild,” he recalls. “That’s the shock: you expected a fun ‘Star Wars’ ride, but it turns intensely adult and grim. That fascinated me as a child.”

After eventually watching the first “Alien,” he was captivated by the gripping tension of being trapped in a spaceship with a predatory alien.

“Everyone has a fear of dying, but the thought of dying all alone is terrifying,” Alvarez shares. “That’s why in horror, characters are often isolated. You place them in a remote cabin because running through the woods alone is truly frightening. Sure, someone might show up, but in space, there’s no hope of rescue.”

Strong characters are crucial in ‘Alien: Romulus’ alongside intense Xenomorphs

Sigourney Weaver’s portrayal of Ellen Ripley is a legendary example of the “final girl” trope in the original “Alien” movies. This inspired Alvarez to create a story where Spaeny and Merced play pivotal roles as the plot of “Romulus” develops. Alvarez states, “As viewers, we hold that young female character dear. Even if everyone else perishes, you naturally want her to make it through.” However, the director remarks on a notable aspect of the 1979 “Alien”: viewers learn “absolutely nothing” about the crew members who are eliminated one by one, much like in Scott’s horrifying take on “Texas Chain Saw Massacre,” set in space.

Considering that today’s films and horror aficionados recognize “the significance of strong character development,” Alvarez dedicates the first 40 minutes of “Romulus” to developing the young leads before any Facehuggers make their appearance.

“It’s critical to grasp their desires and aspirations, as that makes them relatable,” the director explains. “In a twisted sense, I hope to engage you with these characters, so that if and when they face death, it impacts you more deeply. That is my intent with this film: to invoke an emotional toll on the audience.”