The iconic “Alien” franchise is back, but this time on the small screen! On August 12, 2025, the new series “Alien: Earth”, created by Emmy-winning showrunner Noah Hawley, premiered on FX. This prequel to the classic 1979 film promises to immerse viewers in a terrifying atmosphere, but in a completely new setting—right here on our planet.
What’s the series about?
The story is set in 2120, just two years before the crew of the Nostromo first encountered the Xenomorph. The Earth of the future is a grim, dystopian world ruled by five mega-corporations, including, of course, the sinister Weyland-Yutani. The plot kicks off when the USCSS Maginot spacecraft crashes, unleashing a deadly alien threat on Earth for the first time.
The main difference between this series and the films is its focus on corporate greed and ethical questions. At the heart of the story are “hybrids,” humanoid robots with human consciousness. Showrunner Noah Hawley has stated that the series explores whether humanity deserves to survive, blending horror with a deep social critique.
Who’s in the cast?
The cast is a mix of rising stars and established actors. The lead role, a hybrid named Wendy, is played by Sydney Chandler. She must survive in a world where, as she puts it, “there are two kinds of monsters—human and extraterrestrial.”
Her synthetic mentor, Kirsh, is played by Timothy Olyphant, star of the series “Justified” and “Deadwood.” The cast also includes Alex Lawther, Samuel Blenkin, Essie Davis, and Babou Ceesay.
Timeline and Reviews
“Alien: Earth” is positioned as an important part of the universe. It takes place 22 years before the events of the film “Alien: Romulus” and ignores the storylines of “Prometheus” and “Alien: Covenant” to create its own unique narrative.
The initial reviews for the series are very positive. It holds a 90% “Certified Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics note that the series successfully blends the original’s tense atmosphere with new ideas. Empire magazine even called it “Andor for Alien,” comparing it to the popular series that expanded the Star Wars universe.
“Alien: Earth” is not just another film; it’s a bold experiment that takes a classic story to a new level. With a budget reportedly exceeding that of “Shōgun,” the series promises cinematic scope and a captivating story.