In Alien: Romulus, Navarro stands out as one of the most compelling and tragic characters. More than just the group’s pilot, she is a woman shaped by past experiences, driven by skill and hiding a vulnerability that we only glimpse in fleeting moments.
Music from Alien: Romulus to accompany your reading:
For Navarro, the skilled and resilient pilot, the track “Entering Nostromo” stands out. This piece exudes a sense of determination and adventure, mirroring Navarro’s courageous spirit as she navigates the perils of space. Its dynamic orchestration reflects her pivotal role in steering the crew through treacherous encounters.
If one were to envision a track accompanying Navarro’s entrance onto a stage, “Run!” would be a compelling choice. This track’s urgent tempo and intense energy capture the high-stakes environment in which Navarro thrives, underscoring her quick thinking and decisive actions under pressure.
Navarro: The Best Pilot in the Alien Franchise: A Tragic Fall from the Stars
Navarro’s presence in the film brings both an undeniable sense of confidence and a deeply human fear, the embodiment of the very essence of Alien: competence struggling against inevitability.
A Pilot Meant for More: The Weyland-Yutani Theory
One of the most intriguing mysteries surrounding Navarro is why she is merely a scavenger pilot rather than a high-ranking pilot for The Company, piloting serious exploration missions. From the very first time we see her in action, it’s clear, she is exceptional. Her maneuvers aren’t just functional, they are instinctual, almost poetic in their precision. There’s no hesitation, no wasted movement. She handles her ship as if it’s an extension of herself.
So why is someone of this caliber flying for a group of struggling scavengers instead of charting new worlds for the company?
The simplest explanation is that she wasn’t always in this position. Her disdainful reference to Weyland-Yutani as Wey-Yu suggests familiarity, but also a bitter distance one that doesn’t just come from being another cog in their machine. It suggests history. Perhaps she was once an elite pilot within their ranks, someone entrusted with high-stakes missions until something went wrong.
One possible theory is that Navarro was demoted, not because of incompetence, but because she defied the company in some way. Weyland-Yutani isn’t known for tolerating insubordination. Maybe she spoke out against an unethical decision, maybe she refused to follow an order that risked innocent lives, or maybe she simply learned something she wasn’t supposed to. Whatever the case, a confrontation must have occurred, and rather than being outright terminated (which would have been too much of a waste for someone with her skills), she was reassigned to the fringes, forced to scavenge her way through the galaxy.
This would explain both her attitude and her simmering resentment. She carries herself like someone who has been knocked down but refuses to be broken.
The Brave Mask and the Hidden Vulnerability
Navarro presents herself as unshakable. She’s the kind of person you want in the pilot’s seat when things go wrong, steady hands, sharp instincts, no hesitation. Yet, beneath this exterior, we catch glimpses of the cracks in the armor.
Her quiet lone cigarette, is one of the most revealing. In this moment, we see a Navarro that isn’t just a hyper-competent pilot, she is a person. The cigarette isn’t just a habit; it’s a ritual of relief. A moment to breathe, to reflect. It’s the first time we see her allow herself to be at peace, even if just for a fleeting moment.
What makes this scene so powerful is the look in her eyes. It’s a mix of gratitude and cautious hope, as if she’s daring to believe that, finally, she might be free from the oppression of her past. There’s a weight being lifted from her shoulders, a glimpse of what she could be beyond just a survivor. It’s in that moment we realise just how much she has endured, how much she has carried alone.
And then, of course, Alien happens.
The Essence of Fear ~ “Please Don’t Let Me Die”
Navarro is the character who most embodies the fear that defines the Alien franchise. She isn’t a naive rookie or a reckless fool, she is the one we trust the most, the one who should be able to survive. She does everything right, and yet it still isn’t enough.
When the nightmare finally catches up to her, the moment that breaks us is when she begs Kay: “Please don’t let me die.”
It’s such a raw, human moment. We don’t expect someone like Navarro, strong, composed, the best of them, to be the one pleading. But that’s precisely why it cuts so deep. In that instant, the façade of control is shattered. She is no longer the invincible pilot, no longer the one guiding them to safety. She is just a person, terrified, begging for a fate she knows is slipping away.
This scene is devastating because we feel her fear as if it were our own. We see ourselves in Navarro. The one who should have made it, the one who deserved to escape, and yet, in the cruel universe of Alien, there is no fairness.
Navarro’s Legacy ~ The Best Pilot the Franchise Has Ever Seen
What makes Navarro’s character so powerful isn’t just her skill or her tragic fate, it’s how quickly and deeply we connect with her. She is the best pilot the Alien franchise has ever given us, not just in terms of ability, but in emotional depth. She is introduced as a confident, capable leader, but by the time we lose her, she has become something far more: the embodiment of our own fear of powerlessness.
Her journey, from someone who once had control over her fate, to someone begging for just one more breath, reinforces the relentless, unforgiving nature of Alien. She represents hope, and in the end, she reminds us of the film’s ultimate, terrifying truth: in the vastness of space, no amount of skill, strength, or bravery can promise survival.
And that is why Navarro’s story stays with us long after the credits roll.
Navarro and Bjorn: A Relationship in Its Fragile Beginning
In Alien: Romulus, Navarro and Bjorn share a connection that feels deeper than simple camaraderie. While some interpretations suggest a sibling-like relationship, their interactions suggest something more nuanced, perhaps the early stages of a romantic bond.
Their dynamic isn’t built on grand displays of affection but rather on small, telling moments of understanding, loyalty, and unspoken trust. There’s an ease between them, a comfort in each other’s presence that hints at an emotional connection still finding its footing. Unlike other relationships in the film that feel long-established, Navarro and Bjorn’s bond seems new, fragile, and full of unspoken possibilities.
Navarro: The Anchor to Bjorn’s Rage
Bjorn is one of the film’s most emotionally volatile characters, and for good reason. His mother’s death at the hands of an android’s calculated decision, choosing to sacrifice her to save nine others, left him with a deeply personal hatred of synthetics. His aggression toward Andy isn’t mindless, it’s a direct result of trauma and betrayal. He isn’t just angry, he’s carrying the weight of a choice that a machine made, a choice he never would have accepted.
Navarro doesn’t reject his feelings. She backs him up, validating his anger in a way that shows she understands his pain. But while Bjorn lashes out, Navarro controls the conversation. She shares the same history, but her response is measured, rational and matter-of-fact.
Navarro’s Calm Explanation to Rain
One of the most powerful moments that highlights Navarro’s role in this story is when she explains the tragedy to Rain. While Bjorn’s emotions make it clear that his pain still rules him, Navarro approaches the subject with control, but without dismissing the weight of what happened.
She doesn’t try to soften the story, nor does she indulge in unnecessary dramatics. Instead, she tells it as it is, a synthetic made a logical decision, and that decision cost Bjorn his mother.
Her tone in this moment is revealing. There’s no resentment, no outrage, just the cold reality of how the universe works. Unlike Bjorn, who still burns with unresolved anger, Navarro has accepted the cruelty of the system. But that doesn’t mean she has forgiven it.
A Balance Between Passion and Control
Navarro and Bjorn’s relationship is fascinating because they are two sides of the same wound. They both carry the weight of their past, but while Bjorn reacts with fire, Navarro reacts with calculated survival.
If they truly were in the early stages of a romantic relationship, it would explain:
~ Why Navarro is one of the only people who can keep Bjorn in check.
~ Why Bjorn seems to trust her completely, even when his anger is at its peak.
~ Why their moments together feel more intimate than those of mere comrades.
Their relationship is built on shared pain, mutual understanding and the hope, however small, that they can find a way forward despite everything they’ve lost.
A Love Story That Never Had a Chance
In many ways, the tragedy of Alien: Romulus isn’t just the horror of the Xenomorphs, it’s the shattered futures of its characters. Navarro and Bjorn, if given time, could have grown into something strong, something real. But in the cold, indifferent world of Alien, survival doesn’t allow for slow-blooming love stories.
Navarro’s death doesn’t just leave a void in the group, it leaves Bjorn without his anchor, untethered in his rage and grief. The tragedy is not just that Navarro dies, but that she and Bjorn never got the chance to see what could have been.
And that, in itself, is one of the most gut-wrenching aspects of Alien: Romulus.
Aileen Wu
Aileen Wu, a Chinese-American actress, director, writer, and producer, has rapidly emerged as a multifaceted talent in the entertainment industry. Her portrayal of Navarro in Alien: Romulus has garnered significant attention, marking a pivotal moment in her burgeoning career.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born in Ontario, Canada, to Chinese parents, Wu’s formative years were shaped by her immigrant experience. This background fueled her passion for creative storytelling, which she utilized to navigate and express the complexities of cultural relativism. She pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting at New York University, graduating in September 2021. During her time at NYU, Wu honed her craft, laying a solid foundation for her future endeavors.
Wu’s initial foray into the industry saw her embracing multiple roles behind the camera. In 2021, she co-produced the short film Fish Tank, showcasing her versatility and commitment to storytelling. Her production credits expanded to include projects like Little Manila, Closing Doors, Corpse Pose, and the TV movie Away from Home. These experiences enriched her understanding of the industry, providing a comprehensive perspective that would inform her acting career.
Transition to Acting and Breakthrough with Alien: Romulus
Wu’s acting debut came in 2022 with the short film Closing Doors, followed by a role in Skin. However, it was her casting as Navarro in Alien: Romulus that marked a significant turning point. Portraying a pilot in the iconic sci-fi horror franchise, Wu’s performance has been lauded for its depth and authenticity. Her involvement in such a high-profile project not only highlights her acting prowess but also signifies a step forward for Asian representation in mainstream cinema.
Insights into Alien: Romulus and Character Development
In interviews, Wu has expressed excitement about joining the Alien franchise, noting its diverse appeal and evolution over time. She shared that upon receiving the role, she experienced a whirlwind of emotions, immediately calling her mother to share the news. This personal anecdote underscores her dedication and the significance of the opportunity.
Wu’s commitment to her character extended to the physical portrayal of Navarro. She mentioned that her shaved head, reminiscent of iconic characters from previous Alien films, was a deliberate choice that added depth to her role. This decision not only paid homage to the franchise’s legacy but also reinforced Navarro’s resilient and unyielding nature.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Aileen Wu
With the success of Alien: Romulus, Wu’s career trajectory appears promising. Her ability to seamlessly transition between roles behind and in front of the camera showcases her versatility. As audiences and critics alike recognise her talent, there is anticipation for her future projects, both as an actress and a storyteller. Wu’s unique perspective, shaped by her multicultural background and diverse experiences, positions her as a dynamic force in the entertainment industry.
In summary, Aileen Wu’s journey from her early days in Canada to her standout performance in Alien: Romulus exemplifies her dedication, talent, and multifaceted artistry. As she continues to break boundaries and explore new horizons, the future holds exciting possibilities for this emerging star.
For a deeper insight into Aileen Wu’s experience on Alien: Romulus, you can watch a couple of her interviews below:
