Adarsh Gourav, known for his versatile performances in "The White Tiger" and "Kho Gaye Hum Kahan," is currently making waves with his role in Ridley Scott's "Alien: Earth". The series, created by Noah Hawley, is set on Earth in the year 2120 and explores the early days of technological experimentation and the dark ambitions of the Weyland-Yutani Corporation. Gourav plays Slightly, one of a group of human-alien hybrids, in this prequel to the original "Alien" film.
The actor has spoken about his experience working on such a large-scale international production. He described the experience as "unreal" and expressed his excitement about being part of the iconic "Alien" universe, a franchise he grew up admiring. He particularly appreciates the world-building, tension, and sense of awe that the original films created.
When asked about feeling like an outsider on the sets of "Alien: Earth," Gourav hasn't directly addressed feeling excluded. However, he has emphasized the immersive and collaborative environment fostered during the six-month shoot in Thailand. The cast and crew lived together in a hotel, allowing them to explore Bangkok and its culture, creating a positive and enriching experience outside of filming. Gourav has also spoken about bonding with his fellow cast members.
Moreover, Gourav immersed himself in understanding the "Alien" universe by revisiting the original films and doing a deep dive into the franchise's history. This preparation, coupled with the well-defined script and character, allowed him to fully surrender to the role.
To prepare for his role, Adarsh undertook a unique preparation process to embody the innocence and spontaneity of a 10-year-old boy. He observed children, participated in creative workshops, and consulted with a child psychologist in Bangkok. These sessions involved playful exercises like drawing, sculpting, and sharing childhood stories, which helped him reconnect with his own spontaneity. He also drew inspiration from online content, such as HiHo Kids, where children interact with people from different walks of life.
Gourav found the experience of playing a child liberating and challenging, as it required him to let go of control and rediscover the sense of abandon and freedom that adults often lose. He spent time watching children, observing their reactions, questions, unpredictability, and bursts of silliness, which became the foundation of his performance.
"Alien: Earth" has garnered attention for its fresh narrative and exploration of themes relevant to contemporary society, such as AI, identity, capitalism, and xenophobia. Gourav believes that science fiction allows for asking profound questions that might be difficult to address in regular stories. He notes that the series delves into the power dynamics between corporations and the "us versus them" debate, offering viewers much to contemplate.
The series premiered on August 12 on FX and Hulu and is also available on Disney+ internationally.
