Are the viral Facehuggers footage from New York real? Alien: Romulus' marketing stunt explained

Scheduled to hit theaters on August 16, 2024, Alien: Romulus is a highly anticipated addition to the iconic Alien franchise. Directed by Fede Álvarez, the film promises to return to the series' horror roots, featuring suspense with science fiction.

Set between the original Alien (1979) and Aliens (1986), the plot revolves around a group of young space colonists who encounter a terrifying Xenomorph on a derelict space station. The cast includes Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, Spike Fearn, and Aileen Wu, who are fresh faces with dynamic performances in a familiar universe.

In a stroke of marketing genius, the streets of New York City became the stage for a spectacular promotional stunt. Yes, the videos that have surfaced on the internet are real. Random pedestrians were both shocked and entertained as they encountered actors wearing facehugger masks, mimicking the horrifying scenes from the Alien films.

The immersive experience peaked when a 'chestburster' Xenomorph appeared to burst from a man's chest, capturing the startled reactions of the crowd. The stunt caught the essence of the film's terror and sparked widespread media coverage, majorly boosting its pre-release buzz.

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The impact of the Facehugger Stunt on Alien: Romulus's popularity

The viral footage of facehuggers taking over New York City was more than just a random spectacle, as it was a carefully orchestrated marketing strategy by the Alien: Romulus PR team. By bringing the terror associated with the Alien franchise directly to the public in such a visually dramatic way, the marketing team created an unforgettable visual cue that resonated with both fans and newcomers.

Social media platforms buzzed with videos and photos of the stunt as bystanders posted their encounters with the facehuggers, with #facehuggersinNY trending on X. The realistic portrayal of the facehuggers and the chestburster reminded fans of the franchise's thrilling horror and introduced the uninitiated to the chilling excitement of the Alien world.

The impact on the movie's popularity was immediate. Online searches for Alien: Romulus saw a substantial spike following the stunt, with trailers and promotional materials receiving increased views and shares.

According to BoxOfficeTheory, pre-sale tickets also saw a boost, indicating growing anticipation for the film’s release. The movie is tracking 34% above The Exorcist: Believer‘s first day, a result of the marketing stunt that showed how real-world interactions could effectively enhance digital engagement, creating a promotional strategy that leverages both traditional and new media.

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What is Alien: Romulus about?

Alien-Romulus (Image via 20th Century Studios)

Alien: Romulus serves as a bridge within the Alien timeline, filling the plothole between Alien and Aliens. This standalone chapter introduces a new angle to the franchise, focusing on a young crew of space colonizers who, while exploring a seemingly abandoned space station, come face-to-face with the series’ most notorious antagonist, the Xenomorph.

The decision to place the film in this specific timeline segment allows for a unique mix of the familiar and the new. It pays homage to the elements that fans love while expanding the lore in exciting ways, ensuring that the franchise remains relevant and engaging to a modern audience.

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Spotlight on the cast of Alien: Romulus

Alien-Romulus (Image via 20th Century Studios)

The casting of Alien: Romulus brings Cailee Spaeny as the lead, playing Rain Carradine, a strong-willed colonist who emerges as a central figure in the fight against the Xenomorph threat. David Jonsson and Archie Renaux join as fellow colonists, each bringing their own strengths and vulnerabilities to the fore.

Isabela Merced portrays Kay, a character whose resilience and intelligence make her a crucial part of the crew’s survival strategy. Spike Fearn and Aileen Wu round out the main cast, offering performances that promise to provide depth and intensity to the film’s suspense-driven plot.

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Alien: Romulus will be released in theaters on August 16, 2024.