LOS ANGELES, USA – Emmy-winning showrunner Noah Hawley is hinting at what fans can expect from his highly anticipated Alien prequel series set to air on FX. In a recent interview with KCRW’s The Business, hosted by Hollywood Reporter’s Editor-At-Large Kim Masters, Hawley discussed his vision for the show.
The series, which is set on Earth about 70 years into the future, takes place before the events of the Alien film franchise. Hawley showcased his deep understanding of the franchise, describing it as more than just a monster movie. He explained that Alien is a complex story that explores the existential struggle of humanity caught between its primordial origins and its AI-driven future.
Hawley also acknowledged the challenge of creating a fresh and engaging story within a franchise that already has four subsequent films and another in the works. He expressed his desire to recreate the emotions and experience of the first two films, Alien and Aliens, which captured audiences with their portrayal of humanity’s struggle against a terrifying alien threat.
When asked about incorporating the backstory provided in Ridley Scott’s recent Alien prequel films, Prometheus and Alien: Covenant, Hawley revealed that he and Scott had discussed various elements of the show. While he appreciated the concept of the aliens being manufactured as a bioweapon, Hawley favored the original retro-futuristic technology and aesthetics of the first two films. He wanted to maintain the distinct atmosphere and choice of technology that defined the franchise.
Production on Hawley’s Alien series temporarily halted due to the SAG-AFTRA strike but is set to resume filming in Thailand soon. The ensemble cast includes Essie Davis, Alex Lawther, Samuel Blenkin, Sydney Chandler, Adarsh Gourav, Timothy Olyphant, and David Rysdahl. In the meantime, fans can catch Hawley’s latest work, Fargo season five, airing weekly on FX and Hulu.
Noah Hawley’s Alien prequel series for FX promises to deliver a unique and thought-provoking take on the beloved franchise. With its exploration of humanity’s struggle for survival and its distinctive retro-futuristic style, the show aims to captivate both longtime fans and newcomers alike.