Alien: Romulus 'Fixed' Terrible Ian Holm CGI for Home Release but Fans Still Think It’s Pretty Bad

Alien: Romulus, a critical and box office success, has already spurred a sequel. However, one element universally criticized was the CGI depiction of Ian Holm.

Holm, who passed away in 2020, famously portrayed the android Ash in Ridley Scott's Alien. His controversial CGI return in Alien: Romulus drew widespread criticism for being distracting and unrealistic, prompting a popular fan edit to remove his character entirely.

Director Fede Alvarez addressed the issue, acknowledging time constraints in post-production hindered the CGI quality. He stated to Empire magazine that the home release features improved visuals.

Alien Film Timeline

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Alvarez confirmed that the home release incorporates more practical puppetry, reducing reliance on CGI. Despite the improvements, many viewers still find Holm's appearance distracting, with some questioning the necessity of his inclusion.

Reddit discussions highlight mixed reactions. While acknowledging slight improvements, comments like "Better, but still awfully uncanny" and "Still such a needless and distracting part of the movie" underscore persistent concerns. The consensus leans towards the CGI remaining unsatisfactory, regardless of the enhancements.

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The home release minimizes the CGI face by showcasing more of the practical puppet, resulting in a less noticeable digital effect. However, negative sentiment persists, with comments criticizing the decision to digitally resurrect the deceased actor.

Despite the CGI controversy, Alien: Romulus achieved significant box office success ($350 million globally), prompting 20th Century Studios to announce plans for a sequel, with Alvarez potentially returning as director.