From Space to Earth: The Alien Franchise’s Groundbreaking Transition
The resurgence of the iconic Alien franchise is stirring excitement with both a new TV series and a movie slated for the near future, each promising to expand the Alien universe in intriguing ways.
The TV Series: A Visionary’s Dream Realized
The much-anticipated Alien TV series, helmed by Noah Hawley, the creative force behind Fargo and Legion, is finally set to resume production in early 2024. This series, a prequel to Ridley Scott’s 1979 original, marks the first time the Alien narrative will unfold on Earth, specifically in the late 21st century. This groundbreaking move away from the franchise’s traditional space setting promises a fresh and grounded perspective on the Alien lore. Notably, the series, which faced delays due to the pandemic and industry strikes, boasts an impressive ensemble, including Sydney Chandler, Timothy Olyphant, and David Rysdahl. Olyphant, intriguingly, plays a synthetic character named Kirsh, a mentor to Chandler’s Wendy, a hybrid meta-human.
Chandler is leading the series as Wendy, a character described as a hybrid meta-human. Wendy is characterized by having the brain and consciousness of a child but the body of an adult. This unique aspect of her character adds a new dimension to the Alien universe, potentially exploring themes of innocence, humanity, and evolution in the context of the sci-fi horror genre… but also scares us a little. Olyphant is set to play Kirsh, a synthetic (synth) character who acts as a mentor and trainer to Wendy. The dynamic between Chandler’s Wendy and Olyphant’s Kirsh is expected to be a central element of the series, possibly exploring themes of mentorship, artificial intelligence, and the nature of humanity.
We’d normally be very afraid by all of this but Noah Hawley delivered excellence with Legion and Fargo, so we’re staying optimistic!
The Movie: A Cinematic Leap Into the Unknown
Set to grace the silver screens on August 16, 2024, Alien: Romulus promises to be a significant cinematic event. Under the direction of Fede Álvarez, known for his work in horror and thriller genres, the film has garnered heightened expectations, notably from Fox, which shifted its release from streaming to a full theatrical experience. The movie, positioned between the first two Alien films, continues the legacy of this beloved series. Cailee Spaeny and Isabela Merced lead the cast, adding fresh faces to the enduring franchise. Ridley Scott, the mastermind behind the original Alien, has lent his support, further adding to the anticipation for what promises to be a thrilling addition to the Alien saga.
Cailee Spaeny, the lead actor in the upcoming film Alien: Romulus, has shared some insights into the movie in various interviews. During a red carpet interview with Variety, she confirmed that Alien: Romulus is set to take place between the original Alien and its sequel Aliens. She expressed her excitement about the project, noting the involvement of the same team from Aliens, directed by James Cameron. This team, responsible for building the iconic xenomorphs, has returned to create the creatures for Romulus. Spaeny found it incredible to work with the original design team, who have been part of the Alien franchise for over 45 years.
Additionally, Spaeny commented on her transition back to the sci-fi genre, referencing her earlier role in Pacific Rim: Uprising. She compared the change from her recent roles to returning to a world of spacesuits and wire work, expressing her enjoyment of the process. She also highlighted her admiration for the Alien intellectual property and Sigourney Weaver’s legendary performance, expressing her excitement and honor to be part of this iconic franchise.
Despite these details, the plot of Alien: Romulus remains largely under wraps. What is clear is Spaeny’s enthusiasm for the franchise and her role in it, and the dedication to maintaining the legacy and aesthetic of the original films while introducing new elements to the story.
Both the upcoming Alien TV series and the Alien: Romulus movie signify an ambitious expansion of the Alien universe. With their distinct settings and fresh narratives, these projects are poised to captivate both long-time fans and new audiences, adding depth and diversity to a franchise renowned for its blend of science fiction and horror. We’ll see if they deliver in 2024!
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OpenCritic
I don’t know if I like a movie taking place between Alien and Aliens but will wait and see.