Alien: Earth star Alex Lawther explains Xenomorph effects and talks joining iconic franchise

What’s the view from your sofa?

An empty wall serves as a canvas, with a high-end video projector resting nearby a large, gray couch. This has been my priciest yet finest acquisition. As evenings during the pandemic rolled by, I found myself consistently engaged in front of it.

What have you been watching on it?

The third season of Big Boys is outstanding. British comedy often balances between creating vivid, somewhat absurd characters and being profoundly touching. This quality can also be found in Alma’s Not Normal. One of my favorite series was the latest installment of Black Mirror. I can’t decide if it’s amazing or frustrating that I was involved in the same season as the San Junipero episode, filmed in Cape Town, while our episode, Shut Up and Dance, was shot in Watford.

Who controls the remote?

Instead of being decisive, my partner and I often struggle with making choices, leading us to skip viewing content altogether at times. We try to help each other by creating small lists, such as suggesting five potential shows or movies, followed by the question, “What catches your eye the most?

Inquire about your initial encounter with the Alien franchise as we delve into the premise of the upcoming series, Alien: Earth. You assume the role of Hermit, a physician who has suffered the loss of his entire family, or so it seems. This narrative unfolds two years prior to the events depicted in the film Alien.

Growing up, it was clear that my mother had a deep affection for Sigourney Weaver. What stands out most in my memory isn’t the terror of the alien, but rather the intricate characters and conversations they had. Additionally, the spacecraft setting left an indelible impression on me – its beauty and otherworldliness were captivating. I recall thinking, “This is what science fiction can be.

Is the Xenomorph CGI in Alien: Earth?

In a more casual and clear manner, the sentence could be rephrased as: “Nope, it’s played by Cam, a tall Kiwi fellow in a rubber suit, who was absolutely dedicated to his character. We shot for six months in Thailand, making him sweaty most of the time!

You made your professional debut at the age of 16 in the play South Downs. How did that come about?

On Thursdays, my English teacher organized an improv club which I looked forward to most. Unfortunately, she departed from our school, but we continued to gather as a band of unruly students without supervision. I was appointed the group’s leader and faced consequences for it. At around that time, Julia Horan, the casting director for South Downs, started reaching out to schools. However, the fresh drama teacher had a grudge against me, so she didn’t recommend me. It was my friend who had been selected for the audition, who urged me to join. If I hadn’t taken that chance, I wouldn’t be an actor today.

Your parents are lawyers. How did they feel about you pursuing acting?

Since neither of their parents had attended college, their decision to do so represented a significant accomplishment. It was somewhat disconcerting for me not to follow in their footsteps and attend university, as it seemed to deviate from the path they envisioned for me. However, now that they’re attending every opening night, it feels like they’ve embraced my decision wholeheartedly!

Did your recognition increase significantly following your role in the BAFTA-winning series “The End of the Fing World,” which premiered in 2017?

Prior to that, I had spent around five to six years working, during which I was involved in various unrecognized projects. When The End of the Fing World debuted, it was gratifying for my self-esteem to think, “At least there’s some reason for me being in the audition room!

In a different wording, you could ask: “Given that you’ve been featured in the popular Star Wars series ‘Andor’, do you still aim to make it big in America as a British actor?

The kind of job you choose can vary greatly. While some aspects of work are tied to the capitalist system, such as cinema, where attracting audiences (getting ‘bums on seats’) is crucial financially, it’s beneficial to aim for roles that offer more than just audience appeal. Ideally, if you’re working in Hollywood, you’d want a creative mind guiding the project, who’s not only focused on filling seats but also on creating something meaningful and impactful.

Is that the case with Alien: Earth?

This production is connected to a well-known franchise, but creator Noah Hawley aims to infuse it with a sense of playfulness instead of simply repeating what’s been done before. Having enjoyed his work on Fargo and Legion, I felt confident in the unique world he was crafting. He’s taking an original concept and trusting his creative instincts to guide him wherever they may lead.

As a devoted cinephile eagerly awaiting the latest sci-fi masterpiece, I’m thrilled to share that “Alien: Earth” will make its grand debut on Disney+ this coming Wednesday, 13th August. The first two episodes of this exhilarating journey into the unknown will be available for streaming right from the get-go. Each subsequent Wednesday will bring a new episode, keeping us glued to our screens in anticipation. If you’re not already a subscriber, now is the perfect time to join Disney+! You can opt for their monthly subscription priced at an affordable £4.99 or go for the annual plan at £89.90 and enjoy uninterrupted access to a world of entertainment.

Don’t forget to add ‘Alien: Earth’ to your favorites on the TopMob – What to Watch app. Download it today for personalized daily TV recommendations, exclusive features, and more!

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2025-08-05 03:17