If you’re looking for a thrilling new series to dive into, Alien: Earth might just be your next obsession. One of the great things about this show is that it welcomes newcomers—no need to be an Alien superfan to enjoy it. While it does have connections to the film franchise, you won’t be lost if you’re unfamiliar with the seven-plus films. The show premieres on August 12, and there are some intriguing elements to consider as you prepare to explore the world of Alien: Earth.
Founded by Ridley Scott in 1979 with the original film Alien, this franchise has a rich history, evolving with sequels like James Cameron’s Aliens in 1986, David Fincher’s Alien 3 in 1992, and Alien: Resurrection in 1997. After some unrelated crossovers in the Alien vs. Predator films, the series saw a revival with Ridley Scott’s Prometheus in 2012 and Alien: Covenant in 2017. Recently, Fede Alvarez introduced Alien: Romulus, set between the first two films. While catching up on previous films is fun, much of that knowledge isn’t essential to understand the new show.
The Xenomorphs
One thing Alien: Earth expects you to know is about the xenomorphs, the franchise’s infamous aliens. Though often casually referred to as “aliens,” the technical name is “xenomorph.” While their origins and habitat remain largely mysterious, insights from Prometheus and Covenant hint at their destructive capability and lifecycle. Understanding how xenomorphs are created is crucial; a queen lays eggs that produce facehuggers, which are the embryos that implant in hosts and eventually burst forth as chestbursters. These creatures rapidly grow into fully formed xenomorphs, powerful and lethal. Their acidic blood acts as a natural defense, making them formidable foes.
Setting the Timeline
Alien: Earth takes place in 2120, just three years prior to the events of the iconic first film. At this time, the crew of the Nostromo is still in cryosleep, journeying back to Earth after a mining mission. A distress call will soon awaken them, drawing them to a planet housing xenomorph eggs, though the connection to Alien: Earth remains a captivating mystery. This 63-year window gives the show plenty of room to unfold without disrupting the existing film continuity.
The Company Behind the Madness
The infamous Weyland-Yutani Corporation, portrayed as unethical in its quest for profit, is a central theme in Alien: Earth. Unlike the mining vessel Nostromo, the USCSS Maginot is a ship designed to capture alien life forms, including xenomorphs. The events that lead to its crash on an Earth city controlled by a rival company, Prodigy, hint at the corporate espionage and danger that is a hallmark of the franchise.
What this means is that Weyland-Yutani is already aware of xenomorphs before the films even kick off, adding a layer of intrigue to the narrative.
The Corporate Landscape
The partnership that formed Weyland-Yutani stemmed from a merger between two companies led by the Weyland and Yutani families. We learn a bit about Peter Weyland’s ambitious plans in Prometheus, which take place three decades before the series. Interestingly, Alien: Earth shifts focus to the Yutani family, showcasing their control during this period. While the lore from Prometheus remains relevant, it doesn’t dominate the plot.
What Do They Want with the Xenomorphs?
The overarching objective of Weyland-Yutani, as depicted in the Alien franchise, is to seize control of the xenomorphs for technological advancement. The potential for power lies in the ability to harness these creatures, a possibility that has enticed many characters throughout the series.
The Role of Androids
Another key aspect of the Alien series is the enigmatic androids created by Weyland-Yutani. With a history of appearing in every film, these human-like robots designed to serve their creators are back in Alien: Earth. This time, we’ll delve deeper into their origins and evolution, making them an exciting point of interest.
Alien: Earth launches with a two-part premiere on August 12 on Hulu and FX, followed by weekly episodes every Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET/8 p.m. ET/PT.
What makes the franchise so engaging? It’s the blend of science fiction and horror that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Expect a thrilling ride filled with tension and corporate intrigue.
Curious about future Alien installments or other sci-fi franchises? Want to keep up with the latest in entertainment? Continue your exploration with insights from Moyens I/O.