How Does Alien: Earth Connect to the Alien Movie Saga Timeline? 4 Things to Know

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Back in 1979, I found myself captivated by the spine-tingling tale that directors Ridley Scott and Dan O’Bannon unveiled, a chilling space odyssey they dubbed Alien. Unbeknownst to them at the time, this unique story would birth an enduring franchise. In essence, it crafted a hauntingly claustrophobic horror experience by weaving a yarn about a group of miners aboard their spaceship who were relentlessly pursued and picked off one by one by a monstrous creature – a creation masterminded by the brilliant H. R. Giger.

Forty-six years on, the original “Alien” film has led to a thriving sub-genre of movies, comprising three sequels, two prequels directed by Ridley Scott, and the 2024 connecting film titled “Alien: Romulus”. Ridley Scott has endorsed all productions from 20th Century Studios, including the first “Alien” television series set in the timeline, which will air on FX under the title “Alien: Earth”.

Under the guidance of Noah Hawley, Alien: Earth represents a unique live-action tale that unfolds on our home planet, sparking curiosity about timelines, continuity, and canonical aspects among fans, since the Alien/Xenomorph has never been previously associated with Earth.

As a dedicated fan, I recently had the privilege of being among the chosen few to pose intriguing questions directly to Eric Kripke and David W. Zucker, who are at the helm of the production for The Exorcist series. We delved into the fascinating connections between this show and the rich mythology that spans nearly five decades. They generously shared insights on the ‘whys’ and ‘hows’ behind their latest creative venture.

Alien: Earth sits in a very specific place within the Alien franchise timeline

Hawley explained that the series titled “Alien: Earth” is set a few years prior to the movie’s events, specifically three years earlier within the Alien franchise timeline.

He mentioned that while he has not fully ironed out the specific details of the schedule, as some may anticipate, it’s like walking a tightrope for him to align with the franchise timeline accurately. In other words, it’s a delicate balance, and though he is not afraid, it requires careful navigation.

In a recent conversation, I pondered over the enigma of Xenomorph knowledge before the events of ‘Alien’. If you recall, the Nostromo spacecraft was dispatched towards that mysterious planet. It seems obvious to me that someone must have been aware of these terrifying creatures, doesn’t it? After all, they had enough information to send a team there, hinting at the intelligence possessed by the Weyland-Yutani Corporation.

It’s intriguing, given the absence of established mythology, that those discovering the initial eggs have been disconnected from Earth for an indeterminate amount of time. This leaves us with a broad spectrum for interpretation, enabling us to craft something expansive in scope while ensuring it aligns with the existing canon and maintains credibility.

We understand that Ripley survives in an escape pod and is discovered after 57 years, leaving us uncertain about what people on Earth know about events on the Nostromo. My task isn’t just to explore what transpires during those three years, but also the 60 years preceding her return. These are open questions we’re exploring. The challenge lies in the limitations, and creativity often thrives under such constraints, as it is within these bounds that true innovation arises.

Wendy is a female protagonist in the same vein as Sigourney Weaver’s Ripley

In the years to come, around 2120, corporations have seized global power, and five dominant entities – Prodigy, Weyland-Yutani, Lynch, Dynamic, and Threshold – are locked in a fierce competition for dominance. Eager to gain an edge, Prodigy Corporation introduces a revolutionary technology: hybrids, or humanoid robots imbued with human cognizance. The first of these is “Wendy” (portrayed by Sydney Chandler), who becomes the focal point of the series’ narrative.

The franchise consistently focuses on leading women characters like Ripley (played by Weaver), Annalee Call (portrayed by Winona Ryder), or Elizabeth Shaw (Noomi Rapace). Hawley has stated that he intended for Wendy to carry on this tradition of strong female leads.

He made it clear that he had always viewed the franchises for the movies “Fargo” and “Alien” as female-led, primarily due to the strong female characters played by Frances McDormand in “Fargo” and Sigourney Weaver in “Alien.” He never once entertained the idea of a male lead in the hypothetical movie “Alien: Earth.

Aliens‘ Newt and Hudson were an influence for Wendy and the Prodigy kids 

In the story Alien: Earth, a significant aspect of the hybrids is that they embody the minds of children who were once ill, with their consciousnesses being moved into the physically fit bodies of adults. Frequently, author Hawley draws parallels using the imagery of Peter Pan’s Lost Boys from J.M. Barrie’s novel Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up.

As a captivated viewer, I can’t help but agree with Hawley’s insightful perspective. He eloquently expresses that at the heart of this series lies an examination of human nature. The compelling choice to portray children in adult bodies stems from his belief that if we’re pondering whether humanity merits continued existence, then no one embodies our essence more profoundly than a child. After all, they can’t hide their fear, they’re poor liars, and they represent the epitome of human authenticity in a way that is both raw and unfiltered. Thus, delving into this exploration of human nature was a priority for him in creating this captivating story.

In addition, the series will weave in significant recurring symbols and characters from the franchise throughout its narrative. Previously, I mentioned that my talent lies in reinterpreting classic films by capturing the emotions they evoked in me initially and then eliciting those same feelings in you through a fresh tale. This is how I approach adapting established elements for a new context.

When considering the concept of children’s minds in adult bodies, I pondered, “What might resonate as a familiar sensation from established works?” Then, I recalled Newt [Carrie Henn] and how the second Aliens movie features an actual child character.

He chuckled, saying, “I was pondering on Bill Paxton, arguably the most juvenile character ever in cinema history. If that isn’t an adult with a child’s spirit, I don’t know what is. Therefore, I decided that maintaining such playful tone within the franchise would make it feel fresh and comfortingly familiar if we introduce children to it.

The visuals are recreated and augmented from the original Alien aesthetic

When viewers experience Alien: Earth, they will notice a great deal of technology reminiscent of the 20th-century franchise, as Hawley mentioned it was sourced directly from the archives. Hawley revealed that they stumbled upon images from the ’79 production that Scott himself hadn’t seen since ’79, which they subsequently shared with the franchise creator.

He mentioned that our new ship, in essence, follows the design of the Nostromo. While our cryo chamber is expanded, both the bridge and mess hall are identical, leaving Ridley somewhat surprised at their striking similarity.

Zucker remarked about Scott’s response, “His face seemed to say, ‘I can’t even believe this!’ He was utterly astonished by what he was seeing.

During filming, Zucker remarked that it was awe-inspiring to observe how deeply Hawley and his set design crew embraced the analog for the show’s world creation. He expressed that “stepping onto these stages and sets and sending those images back to Ridley before he even viewed the daily footage, I think, left everyone amazed.” He went on to say that “the skill, the craftsmanship, and the scale of it was truly remarkable.

Alien: Earth premieres August 12 and will drop episodes weekly. 

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2025-07-23 17:48