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, is already slated for a sequel. However, one element consistently 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's quality. He stated in an Empire interview that the studio subsequently invested in improvements for the home release.

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Alvarez confirmed that the home release features enhancements, shifting towards more practical puppetry and less intrusive CGI. However, fan reactions remain mixed. While some acknowledge improvements, many still find the portrayal distracting, with some questioning the necessity of Holm's inclusion in the film.

A Reddit thread (u/Davidedby in LV426) showcases this divided opinion. Comments range from noting a slight improvement but persistent uncanniness to outright condemnation of the decision to digitally resurrect the actor.

Despite the criticism, Alien: Romulus’s $350 million global box office success has greenlit a sequel, with Alvarez potentially returning to direct. The home release's revised CGI, while improved, hasn't entirely silenced the debate surrounding its effectiveness and the decision to include Holm's likeness.