Isabela Merced’s portrayal of the pregnant character Kay in Alien: Romulus was not just a random decision by director Fede Álvarez. In fact, Álvarez revealed that he drew inspiration from the character Dina in The Last of Us video game, whom Merced is also set to portray in HBO’s The Last of Us Season 2.
In a surprising twist of fate, Álvarez shared that he was playing The Last of Us 2 while writing Alien: Romulus, which led him to make Kay’s character pregnant in the film. This decision became even more remarkable when Merced was later cast to play Dina in the HBO show. Álvarez’s revelation sheds light on the interconnectedness of the creative process and how different projects can influence each other.
Álvarez faced backlash when he was temporarily banned from an Alien subreddit for revealing spoilers about the characters Kay and her cousin Bjorn. The director’s response to a fan’s question about Bjorn being the father of Kay’s unborn child sparked controversy among fans. This incident highlights the fine line that creators must tread when sharing behind-the-scenes information that may spoil the viewing experience for audiences.
Alien: Romulus, the seventh installment in the franchise, received critical acclaim and commercial success. The film, set between the events of Alien and Aliens, follows a group of young space colonizers who encounter a xenomorph while exploring a derelict space station. With a global opening of $108.2 million, Alien: Romulus became the second-best opening in the franchise’s history and marked a career milestone for both Álvarez and Merced.
The connection between Isabela Merced’s portrayal of pregnant characters in Alien: Romulus and The Last of Us exemplifies the intricate nature of storytelling in the entertainment industry. Álvarez’s creative decision to draw inspiration from a video game character and cast the same actress in both projects showcases the collaborative and innovative spirit that drives Hollywood’s storytelling. As fans eagerly anticipate the release of The Last of Us Season 2 and reflect on the success of Alien: Romulus, it is evident that Isabela Merced’s talent and the creative vision of directors like Fede Álvarez continue to shape and redefine the boundaries of storytelling in film and television.
Leave a Reply