The series revolves around a mega-corporation spaceship that crashes in a Southeast Asian metropolis, bringing a deadly xenomorph back to Earth. But under the direction of showrunner Noah Hawley (Fargo, Legion), the story proves to be much more than classic science fiction horror.
Alien: Earth explores themes such as the human quest for immortality, corporate greed and infighting, and the complex love between brother and sister.
Sydney Chandler plays Wendy, a unique hybrid character: a robot with human consciousness, designed by one of the dominant corporations. When her "brother" goes missing after the crash of a rival ship, she embarks on a rescue mission—unaware that a xenomorph and a host of brand-new aliens are on board.
While the original xenomorphs return, Hawley also introduced new types of alien creatures to evoke "genetic revulsion." He argues that the original sense of discovery of the xenomorph cycle can't be replicated, so something new and disturbing had to be added.
Most of the xenomorph action is done with practical effects, not CGI. The alien was actually played on set by an actor in a suit. "I was about to pee my pants with fear," Chandler joked about her first encounter with the monster on set.
While horror is central, Hawley emphasized that each episode must also function as drama with character development. "You have to be afraid I'm going to kill someone—and maybe I will," he said. Actor Timothy Olyphant, who plays a father figure to Wendy, added that it's ultimately the emotional moments that resonate most with viewers.
FX also built an extensive Alien: Earth experience on the Comic-Con grounds, including an interactive crash site, nighttime missions, and exclusive giveaways. Fans could literally step into the world of the series and get a sneak peek of what awaits them in August.
The official release of Alien: Earth follows Tuesday, August 12th on FX and Hulu.
