Alien: Earth Brings the Xenomorphs to Humanity’s Backyard

The Alien franchise is expanding in an exciting new direction with Alien: Earth. This first installment brings the Xenomorph menace directly to Earth. With visionary creator Noah Hawley—best known for Fargo and Legion—at the helm, fans of Ridley Scott’s iconic sci-fi universe can expect a fresh yet terrifying addition to the saga. Starring Sydney Chandler, Timothy Olyphant, Alex Lawther, Essie Davis, and Kit Young, Alien: Earth promises to deliver a gripping narrative grounded in the franchise’s rich lore.

Fans now know where this series fits into the Alien timeline. According to a teaser released by FX, the story unfolds in 2120—just two years before the events of the original 1979 Alien film. This situates Alien: Earth* after the events of *Prometheus* and *Alien: Covenant*, but before Alien: Romulus, which hit screens earlier this year.

This revelation sets up a unique narrative dynamic, as the series takes place far from the off-world horrors that have defined the franchise. Instead, Alien: Earth focuses on the Xenomorph threat arriving on humanity’s home soil, potentially unleashing chaos on an unprecedented scale.

The series’ official synopsis teases a suspenseful storyline: a mysterious spacecraft crash-lands on Earth, drawing a young woman (Chandler) and a team of tactical soldiers into confronting the terrifying Xenomorphs. As they grapple with this deadly extraterrestrial threat, the stakes couldn’t be higher—failure could mean the devastation of the entire planet.

Fans can also anticipate deeper insights into the Weyland-Yutani Corporation, a shadowy entity integral to the Alien universe. The series may explore the corporation’s ambitions, including its fascination with artificial intelligence and reckless pursuit of the Xenomorphs as bioweapons.

The franchise’s move to Earth is a bold departure from its traditional focus on the isolation of deep space. This shift heightens the stakes, as humanity must confront the Xenomorph threat on familiar territory. Noah Hawley, known for his masterful storytelling, seems uniquely equipped to tackle the challenges of balancing fresh ideas with the franchise’s legacy.

Alien: Earth is one of many exciting developments for franchise fans. A sequel to Alien: Romulus is already in the works, although a release date has yet to be announced. Meanwhile, two new Predator films slated for release in 2024 ensure that monster movie enthusiasts have plenty to look forward to.

Set to premiere on FX and Hulu in the summer of 2025, Alien: Earth marks a thrilling new chapter in the Alien saga. Whether this ragtag team of soldiers can stop the Xenomorphs before they overrun the planet remains to be seen. Still, one thing is sure: fans are in for a pulse-pounding ride.

The decision to set *Alien: Earth* on humanity’s home planet presents an exciting shift in the franchise’s narrative scope. Previous films have leaned heavily on the claustrophobia of confined spaces, from the Nostromo spaceship to the barren colonies of LV-426. By bringing the Xenomorphs to Earth, the series will likely trade isolated terror for global stakes, expanding the franchise’s horror to a planetary scale.

This shift also raises compelling questions: How prepared is humanity for an extraterrestrial threat of this magnitude? What role will the Weyland-Yutani Corporation play in containing—or exploiting—the situation? The potential for new storylines and characters to shape the Alien universe is immense.

Noah Hawley’s track record speaks for itself. Through Fargo and Legion, he has demonstrated an ability to blend intricate storytelling with stunning visuals and complex characters. These qualities make him a natural fit for the Alien franchise, where profound moral dilemmas and breathtaking spectacle often collide. Hawley’s involvement signals a commitment to storytelling that honors the franchise’s roots while carving out its distinct path.

Sydney Chandler, who leads the series, will play a pivotal role as a member of a tactical unit tasked with responding to the Xenomorph threat. Her journey—likely filled with intense action, moral challenges, and personal growth—will anchor the series’ narrative. She is joined by an impressive ensemble cast, including Timothy Olyphant, whose presence suggests a commanding and potentially morally ambiguous role. Alex Lawther, Essie Davis, and Kit Young round out a lineup poised to bring humanity and drama to the forefront.

With Alien: Earth, the franchise is positioning itself for a renaissance. This Earth-based series could serve as a springboard for future explorations into the Alien universe, including revisiting Weyland-Yutani’s secrets or exploring the Xenomorphs’ origins in greater detail.

Additionally, confirming a sequel to Alien: Romulus suggests a multi-faceted approach to expanding the franchise.