- A prequel series is coming to FX
- The sci-fi franchise has spawned numerous films and prequels
- The series stars the likes of Sydney Chandler and Alex Lawther
Released back in 1979, Alien has cemented itself as a classic of modern sci-fi. It gave Sigourney Weaver her big break as protagonist Ellen Ripley and notably produced the iconic ‘chest buster’ sequence that horrified cinemagoers the world over.
It spawned several sequels, released in 1986, 1992 and 1997 respectively. More recently, several prequel films have been released including Prometheus (2012), Alien: Covenant (2017) and last summer’s Alien: Romulus. On top of that, another sequel is in the works too.
Now, the Alien franchise is moving to TV for the first time. But when is the new series yet in relation to other films?
What period of time are we in for the new series?
Alien: Earth is set in 2120, two years before the events of Alien.
According to the synopsis, the show will go back in time to unpack the origins of the terrifying Xenomorph.
It reads: “When a mysterious space vessel crash-lands on Earth, a young woman and a ragtag group of tactical soldiers make a fateful discovery that puts them face-to-face with the planet’s greatest threat in the sci-fi horror series Alien: Earth.
“As members of the crash recovery crew search for survivors among the wreckage, they encounter mysterious predatory life forms more terrifying than they could have ever imagined. With this new threat unlocked, the search crew must fight for survival and what they choose to do with this discovery could change planet Earth as they know it.”
What else do we know about Alien: Earth?
The series will be released sometime in summer 2025. American viewers can watch Alien: Earth on FX on Hulu. Fans in the United Kingdom and Ireland will find the show streaming on Disney+.
Read more: Alien: Earth release date, trailer, plot and cast – Pubity
According to reports, production for Hawley’s series took place in Thailand in 2023, with the show emerging as one of the few productions allowed to shoot during last year’s Hollywood strikes thanks to Equity loopholes. After a brief pause, the show finally wrapped production in April 2024.
Sydney Chandler will lead Alien: Earth as Wendy, who reportedly has the mind of a child.
Meanwhile, Timothy Olyphant will play her mentor and trainer Kirsch, with Black Mirror star Alex Lawther playing a soldier named CJ.
