“Alien: Romulus” Uses AI to Bring Back Original Character

Late actor Ian Holm makes a cameo in the new film from the “Alien” franchise through AI technology. 

In the new movie “Alien: Romulus”, the late actor Ian Holm, known for his role as the android Ash in the original “Alien” (1979), returns to the screen thanks to advances in AI technology. Holm, who passed away in 2020, was a key figure in the science fiction classic, immortalizing the role of a synthetic android with hidden motives that endangered the human crew aboard the Nostromo. In “Alien: Romulus”, Holm’s likeness is used to portray Rook, an entirely new android character named Rook, marking a significant moment for the franchise.

The decision to resurrect Holm's presence was not made lightly. Director Fede Alvarez and the production team took great care in reaching out to Holm’s estate to secure permission and only then proceeding with the digital recreation of his likeness. This move aligns with recent industry-wide regulations that protect actors' rights in the face of AI advancements. After a four-month strike by SAG-AFTRA, Hollywood studios now require consent from an actor or their estate before using their likeness or voice in projects, a reflection of growing concerns about AI in entertainment.

For Alien: Romulus, the process of bringing Holm back to life involved a blend of traditional animatronics, CGI, and cutting-edge AI techniques. Actor Daniel Betts stood in for Holm, delivering facial performances that were later enhanced using generative AI technology to match Holm's original look as Ash. Special effects company Metaphysic, known for their AI work on films like “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga”, played a significant role in the process. Using AI tools, they adjusted Holm’s eye movements and refined other facial details to create a believable performance. This detailed approach was supported by 4K scans of the original “Alien” film, providing a reference point for Holm’s iconic portrayal.

Holm’s voice was another challenge for the filmmakers. To recreate his distinct intonations, Betts recorded the dialogue, which was then processed using a software called Speecher. This technology adapted Betts’ voice to more closely resemble Holm’s performance from the original Alien, drawing from his previous dialogue in the film. This attention to detail allowed the filmmakers to deliver a performance that feels authentic and true to Holm’s legacy.

While the use of AI to bring actors back to life remains a topic of debate within the industry, the technology has undeniably opened new possibilities for storytelling. In “Alien: Romulus”, the filmmakers aimed to honor Holm's contribution to the franchise while leveraging these new tools in a thoughtful and respectful way. The result is a performance that merges modern technology with the spirit of Holm’s original work, ensuring that his presence is felt in this latest chapter of the “Alien” saga.