The highly anticipated science fiction horror series Alien: Earth, a prequel to the iconic 1979 film Alien, premiered on August 12, 2025, on FX and FX on Hulu. Created by Noah Hawley, the series is set in 2120, two years before the events of the original film, and explores humanity's first encounter with extraterrestrial threats after the space vessel Maginot crash-lands on Earth.
The series introduces a fresh set of characters, including Wendy, the first hybrid (a human with their consciousness transferred to a synthetic body), portrayed by Sydney Chandler. The cast also includes Alex Lawther, Essie Davis, Samuel Blenkin, Babou Ceesay, Adarsh Gourav, and Timothy Olyphant. Davis plays Dame Sylvia, a scientist creating synthetic hybrids, while James plays one of these synthetics. Gourav portrays Slightly, a hybrid whose journey is described as heart-wrenching.
Essie Davis and Erana James have shared their experiences working with Adarsh Gourav on Alien: Earth, noting how they bonded over the Bollywood film Lagaan and Indian music. Gourav's co-star, Essie Davis, is reportedly a big fan of Lagaan and would often hum songs from the film. According to Adarsh, Davis would ask him many questions about Lagaan as if he had worked on the film.
Alien: Earth was filmed primarily in Thailand, utilizing state-of-the-art studios and diverse outdoor settings to create an eerie atmosphere. Production began on July 19, 2023, but faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Filming resumed in April 2024 and wrapped up in mid-July. Key filming locations include Bangkok, Surat Thani, Krabi, Phuket, and Phang Nga. Studio Park in Bangkok, featuring five soundstages and advanced equipment, served as a primary location for interior scenes and large sets. Other locations included Krabi's beaches, Phang Nga's dramatic landscapes, and Phuket's islands.
The series delves into themes of artificial intelligence and human immortality through its exploration of synthetic humans and hybrids. It also introduces a new type of hybrid, with the first batch of them clashing with dangerous extraterrestrial life forms. The show aims to strike a balance between expanding established stories within the Alien universe and forging its own identity.
Alien: Earth is set two years before the events of the original Alien film. The series begins when the USCSS Maginot, a deep space research vessel, crash-lands on Earth, leading Wendy and a group of tactical soldiers to confront the planet's greatest threat. The series may explore the origins of the xenomorphs and the Weyland-Yutani Corporation's initial interest in alien lifeforms, potentially connecting to the events of the original Alien movie.
