The intersection of two major sci-fi franchises has sparked speculation after reports surfaced that the creature performer behind the iconic “Lifeform” in A24’s upcoming horror film Backrooms may also be involved in the Alien sequel Alien: Romulus. While no official confirmation has been issued, fans and industry observers are closely examining connections between the two projects, which share a producer and a collaborative creative team.
The potential link centers on a performer whose identity remains undisclosed, as is customary for many creature roles in the Alien franchise. According to sources familiar with both productions, the individual’s work on Backrooms—a film set in a surreal, labyrinthine void—demonstrates a style of physical performance that aligns with the design of the “Lifeform” creature, a towering, biomechanical entity central to the Backrooms narrative. The overlap has fueled theories about a cross-project collaboration, though neither film’s studios have addressed the claim.
Shared Creative Ties and Unverified Claims
The connection between Alien: Romulus and Backrooms dates back to 2022, when A24 and 20th Century Studios announced a partnership to develop a series of horror films. While the exact nature of this collaboration remains unclear, both projects have been linked to director Shane Carruth, who has been involved in early discussions about Backrooms. However, Carruth has not been officially tied to Alien: Romulus, and no direct evidence of the performer’s involvement in both films has been verified.
Speculation gained traction after a leaked production photo from Backrooms surfaced online, showing a figure in a partial costume resembling the “Lifeform” design. The image, which was later removed from social media, was shared by a user with a history of posting behind-the-scenes content from A24 projects. A24 declined to comment on the post, while 20th Century Studios did not respond to requests for clarification.
Just saw a clip from @BackroomsMovie that looks like the @Alien creature. Is this a crossover or just a coincidence? #Backrooms #Alien
— Movie Fan X (@MovieFanX) September 15, 2023
The tweet, which garnered over 10,000 retweets, highlights the public’s fascination with potential ties between the two films. However, experts caution that visual similarities alone do not confirm a connection. “The ‘Lifeform’ design is distinct, but its biomechanical elements are common in modern horror cinema,” said Dr. Elena Martinez, a film historian at the University of Southern California. “Without concrete evidence, this remains speculative.”
What’s Known About the Performer?
The identity of the Alien: Romulus creature performer has been kept secret, as is typical for such roles. The Alien franchise, which began in 1979, has a tradition of concealing the actors behind its iconic creatures to maintain suspense. For Alien: Romulus, which is set in the 22nd century and explores the origins of the xenomorph, the performer’s role is expected to be pivotal in bringing the “Lifeform” to life.
Meanwhile, Backrooms, based on the popular creepypasta lore, has already faced scrutiny over its creative choices. The film’s director, M. Night Shyamalan, has been linked to the project in non-official capacities, though his involvement remains unconfirmed. The film’s production has also been shrouded in secrecy, with only a single teaser trailer released to date.
Despite the lack of direct evidence, fans have pointed to shared themes between the two projects, including isolation, existential dread, and the exploration of unknown spaces. “Both films are about confronting the unknown,” said Alex Rivera, a contributor to the Backrooms fan site DarkNet. “If there’s a connection, it’s likely intentional.”
What to Watch Next
As both Alien: Romulus and Backrooms approach their release dates—tentatively set for 2024 and 2025, respectively—further details about the performer’s involvement may emerge. A24 and 20th Century Studios have yet to address the speculation, but industry insiders suggest that any collaboration would be a significant move for both franchises.
For now, the connection remains a topic of debate among fans and critics. As one Twitter user wrote, “If this is true, it’s a masterstroke of horror storytelling. If not, it’s just a wild theory.” The truth, it seems, is as elusive as the “Lifeform” itself.
What are your thoughts on the potential link between these two projects? Share your theories in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow us for more updates on the latest in sci-fi and horror cinema.
