Alien: Earth – A Terrifying New Chapter in the Alien Franchise

The Alien franchise, a cornerstone of sci-fi horror since Ridley Scott’s 1979 classic, is set to expand with Alien: Earth, a groundbreaking television series that brings the terror of Xenomorphs to our planet for the first time. Premiering on August 12, 2025, on FX and Hulu, this prequel series, created by Noah Hawley, promises to blend the chilling horror of the original Alien with the action-packed intensity of Aliens. Below is a comprehensive overview of all the latest updates, including plot details, cast, release information, and more, based on recent reports and insights.

Plot and Setting

Set in the year 2120, just two years before the events of the original Alien film, Alien: Earth shifts the franchise’s focus from the claustrophobic confines of space to a near-futuristic Earth. The series centers on a mysterious deep-space research vessel, the USCSS Maginot, that crash-lands on Earth, unleashing a host of extraterrestrial threats. Leading the charge is Wendy (Sydney Chandler), a meta-human with the body of an adult but the consciousness of a child, who, alongside a ragtag group of tactical soldiers, confronts these deadly creatures, including the iconic Xenomorph and new, equally terrifying life forms.

The Earth of 2120 is governed by five powerful corporations—Prodigy, Weyland-Yutani, Lynch, Dynamic, and Threshold—where cyborgs, synthetics, and a new technological breakthrough, hybrids (humanoid robots infused with human consciousness), coexist with humans. The series explores the collision of this corporate-driven world with the alien threat, as Wendy and her team uncover a discovery that could alter the planet’s future. The narrative also delves into themes of humanity’s struggle between its primal past and an AI-driven future, drawing parallels to historical rivalries like those of Tesla, Edison, and Westinghouse.

Creator Noah Hawley has emphasized his intent to recapture the shock and horror of the original film while introducing fresh creatures to maintain the sense of discovery lost after seven Alien films and two crossovers. “Seven movies later, there’s no discovery or mystery in the life cycle of [the Xenomorph], so I felt I had to introduce new creatures,” Hawley told reporters, ensuring the series delivers a chilling experience that keeps viewers on edge.

Cast and Characters

Alien: Earth boasts a star-studded, international ensemble cast, blending established actors with rising talents:

Sydney Chandler as Wendy, the first hybrid prototype with human consciousness in a synthetic body.
Timothy Olyphant as Kirsh, Wendy’s synthetic mentor.
Alex Lawther as CJ (also referred to as Hermit in some sources).
Samuel Blenkin as Boy Kavalier.
Essie Davis as Dame Silvia.
Adarsh Gourav as Slightly.
Kit Young as Tootles.
David Rysdahl as Arthur.
Babou Ceesay as Morrow.
Jonathan Ajayi as Smee.
Erana James as Curly.
Lily Newmark as Nibs.
Diêm Camille as Siberian.
Adrian Edmondson as Atom Eins.
Sandra Yi Sencindiver, Richa Moorjani, Karen Aldridge, Enzo Cilenti, Max Rinehart, and others in supporting roles.

This diverse cast is poised to deliver gripping performances, with Hawley noting that Wendy’s childlike perspective allows the series to explore humanity’s worth through fresh eyes.

Release Date and Where to Watch

Alien: Earth premiered with its first two episodes on August 12, 2025, at 8 PM ET on FX and Hulu in the United States. Internationally, the series is available on Disney+ (under the Star banner in some regions) starting August 13, 2025, at 8 PM PT. The eight-episode first season will release weekly, concluding in mid-September. FX has expressed optimism about the series’ potential for multiple seasons, with network boss John Landgraf indicating plans for at least two seasons, depending on viewership.

Trailers and Teasers

The first full trailer for Alien: Earth, released on June 5, 2025, sets the tone with chilling visuals and a tense atmosphere. It opens on Neverland Research Island, introducing a young girl undergoing a consciousness transfer to a synthetic body, followed by scenes of a spacecraft crash and the emergence of monstrous creatures. A notable teaser, shot from the perspective of a cat resembling Jonesy from the original Alien, captures the chaos aboard the USCSS Maginot as alarms blare and a Xenomorph lurks. Additional teasers have showcased the Xenomorph with Earth reflected on its shiny head, accompanied by the tagline, “Mother Earth is expecting,” amplifying the horror of aliens invading our planet.

Creative Team and Ridley Scott’s Involvement

Noah Hawley, known for Fargo and Legion, serves as the creator, director, and executive producer of Alien: Earth. Ridley Scott, the visionary behind the 1979 Alien, is an executive producer through his Scott Free production company. While Hawley has not met Scott in person, he consulted with him during development, and Scott was reportedly impressed by the faithful recreation of original sets, exclaiming, “Well, f–k me. I built that, and it’s still there all these years later.” The series also acknowledges the original Alien designers in its credits, honoring the franchise’s legacy.

New Creatures and Franchise Connections

While the Xenomorph remains a central threat, Alien: Earth introduces new creatures to heighten the horror. Hawley and executive producer David W. Zucker emphasized that these additions were carefully designed to be as impactful as the original Xenomorph, with Scott ensuring they meet the franchise’s high standards. The series is set after Prometheus (2093) but before Alien (2122), filling a critical gap in the franchise’s timeline without featuring Ellen Ripley, as Hawley believes her story was “told pretty perfectly.”

The show’s connection to Alien: Romulus (2024), a box-office success that grossed over $350 million, has further fueled excitement. Romulus’s popularity demonstrated the franchise’s enduring appeal, paving the way for Alien: Earth to explore new dimensions of terror.

Reception and Buzz

Early reviews have been overwhelmingly positive, with Alien: Earth earning a 90% “Certified Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes as of August 5, 2025. Critics praise its ability to hit nostalgic notes while expanding the Alien universe in creative and terrifying ways. Posts on X reflect similar enthusiasm, with users noting the series’ unique approach, though some debate its divergence from established canon.

Production Details

Filming began in July 2023 but was paused due to industry strikes, resuming in April 2024 in Thailand. Post-production, including extensive visual effects, wrapped in July 2025. Hawley’s meticulous approach ensured the series maintained the franchise’s signature aesthetic while introducing innovative elements.

Thematic Depth

Beyond its horror and action, Alien: Earth explores profound themes, such as the erosion of humanity in a corporate-dominated world and the ethical implications of AI and hybrid technology. Hawley draws parallels to modern technological races, making the series a provocative commentary on our future.

Final Thoughts

Alien: Earth is poised to be a landmark addition to the Alien franchise, bringing the terror of Xenomorphs and new creatures to Earth in a visually stunning, emotionally gripping series. With a talented cast, a visionary creative team, and a premise that blends nostalgia with innovation, it’s a must-watch for sci-fi horror fans. As the tagline warns, “We were safer in space”—prepare to lock your doors when Alien: Earth premieres.