As summer heats up, one sci-fi series is quietly building anticipation—Alien: Earth. The latest addition to the Alien franchise could very well become the must-watch show of the season.
Why Alien: Earth Has All the Ingredients for Success
In recent years, it seems like every major movie franchise is getting a spin-off series—whether it’s Star Wars, Marvel, or Godzilla. And now, it’s Alien’s turn. Disney+ will premiere Alien: Earth on August 13, 2023, bringing one of the most terrifying franchises in sci-fi to the small screen. While the world has seen its share of successful and not-so-successful spin-offs, there’s something about Alien: Earth that feels different.
The Alien universe is one of the few major movie franchises that hasn’t been completely milked dry yet. This series will be its first real leap into the television world (excluding a brief web series based on the game Alien: Isolation). And there’s something to be said for the vast, untapped history and lore within the Alien world, making it a perfect fit for a serialized format. If you’re worried about the show tarnishing the legacy of its big-screen predecessors, don’t be. Even Sir Ridley Scott, the mastermind behind the original Alien films, has voiced his confidence in the series. He praised the showrunner, Noah Hawley, for respecting the franchise while taking it in a new direction. Hawley, who’s behind the acclaimed TV series Fargo, has a proven track record, having earned several Emmy nominations.
So, will Alien: Earth soar into the stars or burn up on entry? It’s still early, but we’re feeling optimistic. Here’s everything we know so far.
Alien: Earth – A Prequel to the Classic 1979 Film
Alien: Earth serves as a prequel to the 1979 film Alien, taking place in 2120—just two years before the events of the original movie. At this point, there are no xenomorphs on Earth yet. Instead, these terrifying creatures are still hunting space travelers and killing well-armed space marines on distant colony planets.
According to the official synopsis, things get real when the mysterious spaceship USCSS Maginot crashes on Earth. Wendy (played by Sydney Chandler) and a group of tactical soldiers make a disastrous discovery that pits them against the planet’s biggest threat yet. It’s a race against time to stop the alien invasion before they wreak havoc on Earth—though, as a last resort, they might have the option of using a nuclear bomb.
In a nod to contemporary issues, the series will depict Earth in a time where five powerful corporations—including Weyland-Yutani, the infamous company from the films—control much of the planet. This corporate world-building seems to be an intentional commentary on modern-day monopolies, possibly taking aim at companies like Musk’s ventures.
In this “age of corporations,” humanity coexists with cyborgs (humans enhanced with artificial body parts) and synthetic robots (humanoid robots with artificial intelligence). However, there’s also the introduction of hybrids—robots with human consciousness. Wendy, one of the hybrids, will be part of the crew facing the alien terror head-on.
The show boasts a strong cast, including Timothy Olyphant, Alex Lawther, and legendary British comedian Adrian Edmondson, who has made notable appearances in the Star Wars sequels. This combination of talent and a rich, detailed world promises an immersive viewing experience.
Alien: Earth – A Teaser That Has Fans Buzzing
While the full trailer is still under wraps, there’s a rather mysterious teaser that has already generated plenty of buzz. With the atmosphere of dread and suspense that’s a hallmark of the Alien franchise, the teaser promises fans the chilling ride they’re hoping for.
When Can You Watch Alien: Earth?
Mark your calendars! The first two episodes of Alien: Earth will be available for streaming on Disney+ on August 13. After that, a new episode will be released each week, giving fans something to look forward to every week this summer.
With its immersive world, strong cast, and the terrifying legacy of the Alien franchise, Alien: Earth could very well be the biggest sci-fi series of the summer. If you’re a fan of the genre, it’s definitely one to watch.