Alien: Earth – Coming this Summer; A Look at the Alien Franchise

The “Alien” franchise has long been a cornerstone of science fiction horror, captivating audiences with its intense storytelling and iconic Xenomorph creatures. As the series evolves, it continues to explore new narratives and settings.

The upcoming television series, “Alien: Earth,” is set to premiere exclusively on Hulu in the summer of 2025, marking a significant expansion of the franchise’s universe.

“Alien: Earth” – A New Chapter

Created by Noah Hawley, “Alien: Earth” brings the terror of the Xenomorphs to our home planet for the first time. Set in the year 2120, the series unfolds 30 years before the original 1979 film.

The plot centers on a mysterious space vessel that crash-lands on Earth, leading a young woman and a group of tactical soldiers to a fateful discovery. This setting allows the series to delve into themes of suspense and adaptation, as the Xenomorphs interact with the Earth’s environment and its inhabitants.

The decision to set the series on Earth was deliberate, aiming to heighten suspense and unease. Hawley explains that witnessing a Xenomorph on our planet will be particularly terrifying, as it plays with the concept of the creature adapting to different hosts and environments.

The “Alien” Franchise: A Cinematic Overview

The “Alien” franchise has a rich history, comprising several films that have expanded its universe:

1. “Alien” (1979): Directed by Ridley Scott, this film introduces the crew of the Nostromo, who encounter a deadly alien life form after investigating a distress signal.
2. “Aliens” (1986): James Cameron directs this sequel, where Ellen Ripley returns to the planet LV-426 with a group of marines to confront the Xenomorph threat.
3. “Alien 3” (1992): Directed by David Fincher, Ripley crash-lands on a prison planet, bringing the alien menace with her.
4. “Alien: Resurrection” (1997): Jean-Pierre Jeunet helms this installment, set 200 years after “Alien 3,” where Ripley is cloned, and scientists attempt to harness the Xenomorphs.
5. “Prometheus” (2012): Ridley Scott returns to explore the origins of humanity and the Engineers, beings linked to the creation of the Xenomorphs.
6. “Alien: Covenant” (2017): A sequel to “Prometheus,” this film follows the crew of the colony ship Covenant as they discover a planet harboring deadly secrets.
7. “Alien: Romulus” (2024): The latest film in the series, details of which remain under wraps, continues to expand the franchise’s narrative.

Chronological Timeline of the “Alien” Universe

For those looking to experience the franchise in chronological order, including films and other media, here’s a comprehensive timeline:

1. “Prometheus” (2012): Set between 2089 and 2093, the crew of the Prometheus seeks humanity’s creators.
2. “Alien: Covenant” (2017): Taking place in 2104, the Covenant crew uncovers a dark world linked to the Xenomorphs.
3. “Alien: Earth” (2025): Set in 2120, this series explores the first encounter with Xenomorphs on Earth.
4. “Alien” (1979): Occurring in 2122, the Nostromo crew confronts a lethal alien organism.
5. “Alien: Romulus” (2024): Positioned between “Alien” and “Aliens,” this film delves deeper into the franchise’s lore.
6. “Aliens” (1986): Set in 2179, Ripley returns to LV-426 with marines to battle the Xenomorphs.
7. “Alien 3” (1992): Also in 2179, Ripley faces the alien threat on a prison planet.
8. “Alien: Resurrection” (1997): Set in 2381, a cloned Ripley confronts new Xenomorph horrors.

Expanding the Universe: Comics and Other Media

Beyond films and television, the “Alien” franchise has expanded into various media:

• Comics: Dark Horse Comics has published numerous series exploring different facets of the “Alien” universe, including crossovers with the “Predator” franchise.
• Novels: Several novels have been released, delving deeper into the lore and introducing new characters and storylines.
• Video Games: Titles like “Alien: Isolation” (2014) have allowed fans to immerse themselves in the franchise’s tense atmosphere, offering new perspectives on the narrative.

The “Alien” franchise continues to evolve, captivating audiences with its blend of horror, science fiction, and exploration of existential themes. “Alien: Earth” promises to be a thrilling addition, bringing the terror of the Xenomorphs to our doorstep.

For a visual glimpse into this upcoming series, check out the official teaser trailer: