For many years, followers of the Alien franchise have been familiar with the Weyland-Yutani Corporation and their dual focus on technological advancement and any human sacrifices they deem necessary to boost profits. The upcoming TV show Alien: Earth, debuting on FX on August 12th, is the first long-form adventure within the series set on Earth. This series will unveil that Weyland-Yutani isn’t the only significant player in technology; another major player is the Prodigy Corporation. Similar to Weyland-Yutani, Prodigy is driven by a passion for technological progress, but they too are willing to make sacrifices as needed. The Alien: Earth series premieres on FX on August 12th.
2120 Earth is ruled by five powerful corporations: Prodigy, Weyland-Yutani, Lynch, Dynamic, and Threshold. This is the era of Corporations, where cyborgs (part-human, part-machine beings) and synthetics (intelligent humanoid robots) live alongside humans. However, the game changes when the brilliant CEO of Prodigy Corporation develops a groundbreaking technology: hybrids (robots with human consciousness). The initial hybrid prototype, named ‘Wendy’ (Sydney Chandler), signifies a new chapter in the pursuit of immortality. Following a collision between Weyland-Yutani’s spaceship and Prodigy City, Wendy and the other hybrids encounter creatures more terrifying than anyone could have ever imagined.
In the Prodigy Corporation, we have Samuel Blenkin portraying the role of Boy Kavalier, Essie Davis taking on the character of Dame Sylvia, Adrian Edmondson playing Atom Eins, and David Rysdahl stepping into the shoes of Arthur Sylvia.
I had a chat with the cast right on the set of the show in Bangkok about their objectives for Prodigy, how it fits within the Alien universe, and various other topics.
MovieProject: The Alien series has been quite popular for some time now, producing films, video games, and comics among other things. Prior to joining this production, what was your relationship or involvement with this franchise?
Samuel Blenkin: That first movie left a profound impression on me, one I believe many others shared since it was unlike anything seen before. As someone with a deep-rooted interest in sci-fi, I had never encountered such a vivid display of imagination prior to it. I recall watching Alien at a relatively young age and being captivated by it. Before that, I was immersed in the humorous yet thought-provoking world of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. To me, science fiction offers insightful commentary on our society and future trajectory. But when executed exceptionally well, as in this movie, it truly transcends imagination. In essence, it has dwelled within my thoughts ever since.
Essie Davis: I didn’t catch these films in the theater initially. My partner, who was my boyfriend back then, introduced me to the first Alien, and it left me astonished. After that, we watched the rest together, with the first two being my favorites. Strangely, just two days before I received an audition notice, we were rewatching Aliens since my child was studying it for English class, and we were watching it together so she could write an essay on it. Then the script arrived, and right after that, my phone rang.
David Rysdahl: I was undoubtedly a fanatic. I saw it for the first time when I was twelve. My elder cousin, accompanied by several younger cousins, escorted me to the basement where we all shrieked in excitement as we simultaneously screamed in fear. Later on, as my interest in filmmaking grew, I began re-watching them from a filmmaker’s perspective and came to appreciate how exceptional these movies truly are. Amongst fans, I stand out – I find the entire series intriguing, but the first two installments are particularly captivating for me. What I adore about them is the human element; it feels as though they’re merely astronauts in space, and the notion that these ordinary individuals face an extraordinary predicament resonates with me deeply.
It seems quite evident that you hold a profound emotional bond with it, similar to a movie enthusiast connecting with their favorite film. Given your deep affection and the significant themes it addresses, I’m curious about your feelings when entering this world, aware of your strong connection and respect for its ideas. Moreover, since your daughter is now studying and analyzing it, I wonder how this experience has impacted you? Could you share some insights into what this journey has been like for you?
Davis found it incredibly thrilling, and the first time he stepped onto set and saw the alien eggs, it was quite a sight! They were much larger than expected, with intricate textured skin that made him exclaim, “Wow!” He couldn’t wait to see them open up, and it turns out they did film some scenes of that, which brought cheers of delight from the camera crew as props splattered slime and the eggs finally cracked open. It was like a group of fans watching their favorite movie unfold. It was all quite amusing.
Before becoming part of it, what was your perception of the series? To some individuals, it’s simply a collection of horror films. For others, it delves into larger science fiction themes and explores existential ideas.
In pondering a lot lately about understanding and its role in entertainment, I’ve realized that sometimes it’s not the piece itself that stays with you, but rather the experience it offers. To me, exceptional art isn’t about providing explanations or interpretations. It’s about stories so compelling and images so vivid that the experience they create lingers with you. That’s what I yearn for, what I seek from art in general.
To put it simply, watching that movie was a personal experience for me that left an impression. Reflecting on it now, I see it tackles themes related to the unknown, fear of the unknown, knowledge, and confronting the unfamiliar – all topics that resonate with our show’s premise and are further developed in our series.
That moment when you’re clarifying something brings to mind David Lynch in a talk show, refusing to elaborate further on the meaning of “Eraserhead” when asked. He simply said, “No.
For each spectator, it varies, but what truly captivates me isn’t the explanation itself. Instead, it’s the personal experience that holds my interest.
How did the idea for this series catch you off guard, considering your familiarity with the franchise and general audience expectations?
Adrian Edmondson: I believe there’s a lot of poorly done science fiction out there, and I don’t consider myself a general fan of the genre. However, I enjoyed the original Alien, Silent Running, and 2001: A Space Odyssey. As for this script, it presented an intriguing concept that caught my attention. The idea, based on our cultural fixation with Peter Pan, of taking children away from their homes because Peter Pan is not a benevolent character, was both thought-provoking and disturbing. Many people view Peter Pan as a troublemaker who kidnaps children and refuses to let them return home, and this script seems to echo that sentiment in a unique way. I found it intriguing enough to explore further.
Davis: I’m afraid I can’t reveal my biggest surprise, it would be too much of a spoiler. However, you don’t need to watch the films to understand this series as it stands independently. Yet, it draws significant inspiration from those first two, especially in its 1970s analog sci-fi setting. It’s not necessarily a future we might expect, but it still has the familiar elements of buttons and switches that control things.
As a fan, I can’t help but admire Noah Hawley’s knack for dissecting renowned films and reimagining them in a unique, innovative way. This is evident in these scripts as they manage to pay tribute to the original while also feeling fresh and contemporary. The blend of familiarity with something new is striking, much like a hybrid of old and new concepts. It seems that this story is engaging with the very same discussion about artificial intelligence that we’re having today, making it feel incredibly relevant.
Currently, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment in human timeline, and this series is exploring that theme through the perspective of science fiction. The captivating characters and Noah’s genuine affection for people in this production are reminiscent of the iconic figures from his previous works, such as those in “Fargo.” Given it’s Noah Hawley at the helm, I feel less apprehensive and more confident, thinking, “He’s pulled it off. And he’s done it exceptionally well.
Blenkin: Much like Noah has admirably stayed faithful to this “Alien” franchise and met its specific expectations in an exceptional manner, albeit in a terrifyingly captivating way instead of beautiful.
Similarly to all of Noah’s works, he has developed an array of captivating, intriguing characters who are multidimensional. He is crafting a complex narrative that may lead down paths the audience might not anticipate. Apart from the fact that, in most Alien films, there is typically a towering, glossy black beast. Things will go awry. I believe this is something that becomes apparent right from the start with our series. However, what sets Noah apart is his unique approach to storytelling – intriguing, bizarre, and often surreal characters, placing them in unusual, captivating scenarios, then pushing those boundaries as far as possible.
What can you say about your character?
In simpler terms, Edmondson explains that he works for Prodigy, who is the head of Boy Cavalier’s corporation. Prodigy is ruthless in his efforts to suppress any competition or products because he recognizes Boy’s genius and sees him as a potential money-making machine. The future vision is that the world will be dominated by several multinational corporations, with Prodigy’s company being one of them.
When “Atom” comes to mind for me, it’s more like thinking of an “Atomizer.” He’s a person who breaks down or solves issues, and at times, he does this quite figuratively and even literally.
Some people might say Prodigy could be a villain–
Edmondson: I’m not a villain.
Right, that’s what I was going to say, is that “villain” is just a matter of perspective.
We’re constantly captivated by Peter Pan, as we stage a new production of it each year. I’ve even had the pleasure of participating in one myself! There’s a tradition in these productions where a single actor portrays both the father figure in the nursery and Captain Hook, which is quite similar to our protagonist Atom. Atom serves as a paternal figure, yet he also possesses an inherent ability to transform into a menacing creature. This duality is a key theme in the series, and it raises the question: what truly constitutes a monster?
Some people might call Atom vicious, but it sounds like a vicious protectiveness.
Edmondson: All science fiction stories are set during the time they’re written. This particular story is set in the present, and we do face issues. There’s a debate going on about the use of AI, which in this context can be likened to… It’s like opening Pandora’s box, isn’t it? Once opened, you can’t put it back. This idea translates into the exploration of self-awareness and humanity within robotic bodies, among other things.
Reflecting on the advancements we’re making, I can’t help but ponder: Are these breakthroughs beneficial or detrimental? For instance, hip surgeries are undeniably advantageous. But what about the ethical implications of transferring human consciousness into other bodies? Is this progress beneficial for our planet or could it potentially be harmful? It’s a complex question that leaves me wondering if we’re treading on uncertain grounds. The idea of an alien being, with its mysterious origins, can seem ominous. However, I believe it’s essential to remember that the alien itself may not view itself as a menace.
The first ‘Alien’ film served as a stark reminder that aliens aren’t born out of love and affection like humans are. Instead, they emerge from eggs and require a human host to complete their development. It’s easy to perceive them as monstrous due to our limited understanding, but it’s equally possible that they don’t see themselves in the same light. After all, their perspective may be vastly different from ours.
Davis suggests that we live in a world where determining right from wrong and good from bad can be complex. For the main character, a leading female biologist, it’s a constant balancing act between maintaining her professional status, upholding her ethics, and ensuring she continues her work. This might require making compromises that could question her integrity, but she must do so to preserve both her position and her research.
In simpler terms, it seems to me that he’s an idealist. He truly believes his actions will benefit society, but history shows us that good intentions can lead to trouble. As he continues, I sense a slight bursting of his bubble of optimism. He’s not driven solely by the prospect of a paycheck; rather, he’s a true believer in what he’s doing.
Would you say your character voluntarily shoulders the burden of making a positive impact in the realm of Prodigy, perhaps even engaging in actions that could be perceived as questionable at times?
Davis: I’m convinced that’s her aim. Whether she manages to achieve it or not remains to be seen, but her intention is clear: to preserve the essence of humankind, particularly its most admirable aspects like innovation, creativity, and artistic prowess. Furthermore, she intends to nurture human ingenuity.
What was it about your character that you connected with?
In this AI dialogue, I’d like to share my perspective on artificial intelligence, encompassing both my expectations and concerns as a human. Throughout my studies, I’ve come across extensive information about AI, and it strikes me that while it holds the potential to transform the world for the better, improve lives, and streamline systems, there is also a darker side to consider. This technology could potentially dehumanize individuals, serve as a means of control, or fuel corporate greed if misused.
As a passionate cinephile, my journey began with this captivating tale, and it was an old, eccentric professor from my chemistry days who ignited the spark. A man of science, ideas, and absent-mindedness, he was the one who set me on this path, leading him into uncharted waters.
I, David, find myself easily relating to his predicament, effortlessly going along with the twists and turns in his life and the inevitable errors that come his way.
What did you personally take away from playing this character?
Edmondson: It’s not until the end of a run that you truly understand it. Right now, I’m still in the thick of it. I derive great pleasure from the feeling of power because I don’t usually experience it in my daily life. I find myself drawn to the apprehension he instills in some people. Remarkably, I find it quite effortless to perform.
In simpler terms, Rysdahl found it straightforward to connect with Arthur. Moreover, whenever I experience worry about the future, especially concerning those power-hungry individuals managing advanced technology, it’s uncommon for such feelings to be channeled into a creative outlet. However, in Arthur’s case, I feel that I can express all of these emotions. Samuel Blenkin, who portrays Boy Kavalier, and I have had numerous discussions about these topics, making it even more enjoyable when we create something meaningful that reflects our real-life concerns. Additionally, this project has not only provided a platform for me to express my anxiety but also served as a means of relief.
Are you excited about portraying a character like Boy Kavalier due to shared traits that resonate with you, or are you drawn to him because of the unique aspects that offer a challenge as an actor?
Blenkin consistently finds himself facing challenges, as acting pushes him beyond his familiar boundaries. He often gravitates towards portraying peculiar or damaged characters, those who are outsiders. This aspect of acting is what draws him in. Speaking of the character ‘Boy’, I eagerly anticipate that he will present a formidable challenge for me. I certainly don’t possess an ego as grandiose as his, and I can assure you that my intellect does not rival his. Moreover, I am nowhere near the edge of sociopathy as he might be. I am excited to take on the task of embodying someone so unlike myself.
Given that the franchise is recognized for characters fleeing from a massive monster, wouldn’t it be reasonable to inquire if, as part of Prodigy, you’d also have opportunities to engage in action-packed activities?
Regarding the matter at hand, I’m unable to provide specific insights, but based on my conversations with Noah, Boy is often portrayed as an artist rather than a scientist. He possesses extensive knowledge in various fields, both broad and deep, coupled with a unique ability to think metaphysically. His creative prowess enables him to approach problems from unexpected angles, sometimes redefining or even reshaping the questions, which allows him to tackle issues in unconventional ways. This innovative approach might be one reason behind the rapid success of his company, making it the youngest and now holding a significant portion of the planet, all before he turned 20 years old.
Rysdahl: All I can say is when a spaceship full of aliens crashes into the planet, nobody’s safe.
Alien: Earth premieres on FX on August 12th.
The conversation you see here has been shortened for brevity and to ensure it’s easy to understand. To get in touch with Patrick Cavanaugh, feel free to reach out to him through his Twitter or Instagram accounts.
Keep an eye out for further updates on our “Alien: Earth” coverage, featuring unique conversations with cast and team members. To catch these exciting insights, simply click here.
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2025-07-23 21:44