When people recall the classic Alien, they frequently imagine the crew of the Nostromo finding themselves in a situation beyond their control, being ordinary commercial space travelers who happened to be at the wrong place and time. In the new TV series Alien: Earth, produced by Noah Hawley, characters find themselves similarly overwhelmed, as they grapple with the idea of “hybrids,” which are created when human consciousness is placed into synthetic bodies. An interesting twist is that these hybrids possess the minds of young children, who are unaware of their physical autonomy and exhibit a range of reactions to encountering the franchise’s terrifying xenomorphs. Alien: Earth premieres on FX on August 12th.
In the year 2120, Earth is ruled by five major corporations: Prodigy, Weyland-Yutani, Lynch, Dynamic, and Threshold. This era is known as the Corporate Age, where cyborgs – beings with both organic and mechanical components – and synthetics – humanoid robots with artificial intelligence – coexist with humans. However, the game takes a new turn when the brilliant Founder and CEO of Prodigy Corporation unveils a groundbreaking technological breakthrough: hybrids, which are humanoid robots imbued with human consciousness. The initial hybrid prototype named ‘Wendy’ (Sydney Chandler) heralds a new phase in the quest for immortality. But things take a sinister turn when Weyland-Yutani’s spaceship crashes into Prodigy City, and ‘Wendy’ and the other hybrids encounter horrifying alien life forms far more terrifying than anyone could have ever imagined.
Alongside Chandler’s portrayal of Wendy, Kit Young takes on the role of Tootles, Jonathan Ajayai plays Smee, Erana James acts as Curly, Lily Newmark is cast as Nibs, and Adarsh Gourav steps into the character of Slightly.
I recently had a chat with the stars during filming for Alien: Earth, discussing their ties to the series, exciting aspects of the show, and other interesting tidbits.
Before being given this chance, how were you linked to the franchise? And upon reading the actual plot, what aspect of the story took you by surprise the most?
Sydney Chandler expresses his enthusiasm for a specific movie, stating it’s the one he watched multiple times since first viewing. As a child, he had recurring nightmares about xenomorphs from the film, making it even more exciting to now act alongside one. He finds the experience both thrilling and terrifying. Upon learning that Noah was directing this project, his excitement grew. He feels the originality of this movie, just like Fargo, is unique and unparalleled. His hope is that this new project will also maintain the essence of its source material while creating something fresh and original.
In simpler terms, the unexpected part of this experience is playing a child character, as it allows us to reconnect with our inner child. This journey has been therapeutic, uplifting, and empowering. It’s also enjoyable to embody someone I admire. I’ve learned much from her, gaining courage and strength. It feels like she’s guiding me through this process, which is an unusual yet comforting sensation. For a while now, she’s been my constant companion.
Kit Young: Since the franchise has been around longer than me, it’s accurate to say I joined the fanbase late, isn’t it? However, I didn’t fully appreciate and engage with them until my mid-teens, which might have been beneficial. The first movie I remember watching was Aliens. Initially, the action-packed opening scene made more sense to me than a true horror film, but I was likely puzzled because I had missed some context.
When “Prometheus” was released, I was at the right age, and I’ve noticed how diverse some of these movies can be, given their extensive franchise. It feels almost unbelievable that we’re up to its 99th movie! Despite my deep affection for them, I never felt a strong personal connection with the story. I’m grateful not to have been in those high-stress situations portrayed on screen, but perhaps it’s my turn now. I have a bond with these movies that allows me to enjoy and appreciate them, but I can still maintain focus and perform my duties effectively, without being overwhelmed by fear.
In my childhood days, I used to watch the movies called “Alien vs. Predator”. So, you know, during playtime at age ten, I’d often pretend to be a Predator or an alien, engaging in mock battles with my friends. Fast forward to now, receiving this opportunity left me astonished, because these films have such a significant impact on pop culture, and I always thought I was familiar with them since they seemed like classics of cinema.
I settled down to watch it with great anticipation, only to be taken aback. The idea of not adhering to the “save the cat” trope, which is a fundamental writing principle, stemmed from this, I suspect. However, it wasn’t just the astounding visual effects that caught my attention, but also discovering actors I hadn’t heard of before, such as Yaphet Kotto, who was truly remarkable. What left a lasting impression on me about the Alien series was the incredible feat they accomplished by the time they made it, the practicality of many visual effects, and the subtle, understated performances that really stood out.
In sci-fi films, you’d expect less focus on acting and more on special effects, but in the first Alien movie and this series I’m working on, the performances are exceptional. This balance between the dramatic elements and visual spectacle is what sets them apart, making sure we don’t lose the human aspect of the story for mere spectacle.
Adarsh Gourav openly admits that he hasn’t seen many science fiction movies throughout his life. However, he knew about the movie “Alien” and its popularity as a franchise. He vaguely remembered watching it when he was young, but couldn’t recall specifics. During the audition process, he didn’t have any prior experience or reference to help him. Instead, he focused on sticking to the scripts provided. Once he got the role, he re-watched the film and was astonished by its impact, thinking, “Wow, this is what I’m joining? That’s incredible!
In this science fiction production, I find myself in a state of constant wonder, as each day unfolds with the magic and excitement that one might experience at Disneyland. Unlike many films heavily relying on computer-generated imagery (CGI) and visual effects (VFX), it’s clear that they are utilizing both VFX and tangible set pieces here – a combination that leaves me awestruck. As I navigate through this spaceship, I no longer have to rely on my imagination; instead, I can see the spaceship right in front of me. This shared experience brings us all closer together, as we collectively appreciate the tactile reality before us. The ability to touch and feel these creations imprints them deeply within us.
Erana James openly confessed that she hadn’t watched the movies prior. Born in 1999, maybe that excuses her somewhat. It was only when she encountered the audition for this role that she stepped into the world of Alien and began watching the films. Truth be told, she wishes she could claim to be a passionate fan beforehand.
How did that situation feel for you upon landing the job, discovering the plot, and subsequently realizing, “There’s a constant chaos with people shouting in spaceships for a full two hours”?
James: When I spoke with Noah, and he’s mentioned this before, he shared his goal is to create something that evokes the same emotions people experienced when they watched movies. I recall him saying exactly that. When I viewed those films, I remember being captivated by them, asking myself, “How am I feeling right now?” It was a unique sensation I couldn’t forget because I hadn’t felt anything quite like it from other films. The atmosphere while watching was palpable and intense, which helped me understand his intentions. In essence, he’s searching for a particular emotional response. He’s given performance guidelines in certain places, but as those elements aren’t relevant to this film, I can leave them to him. However, his explanation was helpful.
What can you tell us about Slightly?
In our discussion with Noah and Dana, we established a background story for the character where his father is incarcerated. In the first episode, he speaks about his father’s funeral, but I envisioned that their last encounter happened when he was in jail, so they maintained contact via video calls instead of being together physically.
Due to the challenges his father faced, it seemed his mother was overburdened with caretaking responsibilities, leaving him somewhat neglected as a child. This upbringing appears to have been deeply traumatic for him, and he has since arrived. It appears that his journey is centered around doing what’s right, reflecting the values instilled in him by his mother. These values were rooted in her consistent message: “Your father was a good man, but he made mistakes that led to his incarceration. Strive for goodness and allow it to guide your actions throughout your life.” This seems to be a recurring theme in Slightly’s character development at each stage.
How did your character’s complex relationship with a significant male figure impact your performance and connections with other characters in the series? Does this experience make you seek out or strive to be like new mentor figures, or perhaps take on a mentoring role yourself towards other characters within the show?
Gourav: It’s intriguing you brought up Babou Ceesay’s character, Morrow, as I believe he discovers a father-like figure since there seems to have been a lack of significant male presence who truly cared for him or spent time with him in his life. This change makes Morrow feel good, which is why I think he consents to assist him. Although Morrow is indeed a stranger and performs unusual actions like downloading data, it’s also comforting that he’s friendly, kind, and wants to be my friend. I suspect this is because he longs for the fatherly influence in his personal life, making it easy for him to trust Morrow.
When you’re acting within an acting role inside another character, there are multiple levels to the psychological and emotional work you’re doing, as well as the physically demanding actions like running, jumping, and fighting. Which part was harder for you – the mental and emotional preparation or the physical stunt training?
Chandler: I’m really into learning stunts, and you can usually find me on set with my yoga mat in hand. Last week we had night shoots, which meant it was around 4:30 in the morning, but instead of sleeping, we were running and being energetic. I truly enjoy that part of this job. Ever since I was younger, I’ve wanted to do something like this, and it’s been a blast!
In simpler terms, even though her character appears complex and deep as you’ve explained, I find myself relating to her in a childlike way. She is incredibly honest, fearless, adaptable, and open, which makes it easy for me to understand her emotions. Delving into these characteristics while navigating through the rest of her traits has been an enlightening experience for me, almost like reconnecting with my own inner child. This process has not only helped me connect with the character but has also been a personal journey for me.
As a passionate film viewer, I’m curious about the major hurdles Nibs encounters throughout the series and what exactly makes her so cautious about her recent circumstances.
Lily Newmark: She experiences a deeper emotional turmoil compared to others regarding her new circumstances, and the physical aspect poses difficulties for her too. Although everyone has awoken in adult bodies, the revelations about herself and her creators as the story progresses cause her to question everything, leading to self-doubt. The trust gap that initially existed between her and them widens further. I apologize if it seems somewhat cryptic.
Regarding the Alien series, it’s filled with plenty of chasing scenes and scream-inducing moments. There are countless terrifying creatures slithering around. However, what took me aback when I read the actual scripts was that they painted a picture quite distinct from what I had envisioned an Alien television show to be.
As a captivated viewer, I must say, the humor in “Lost Boys” was truly invigorating. You see, as young ones, we tend to discover the bright spots even amidst the gloomiest scenarios, unaware perhaps that we’re being amusing. It’s fascinating how the characters manage to maintain a cheerful demeanor in such a terrifying setting – an unexpected delight indeed.
The idea here is that since most of the movies in this franchise take place on a spaceship with an alien, what if instead, it happened right here on Earth? This change would make the story more relatable because if an alien were to be released into our world, it would cause chaos for everyone. And who would be responsible for such a mishap?
Accountability plays a significant role, especially when considering personal growth. The importance of corporations taking on governmental responsibilities is a topic that frequently surfaces in conversations, particularly on social media like Twitter. Once the narrative shifts from space exploration to Earth-bound issues, the possibilities for the storyline expand significantly, opening up numerous directions the show can take. Since it’s a series rather than a film, there are more opportunities to unfold multiple stories, potentially extending its duration if viewers continue to engage with it.
Was there perhaps a small piece of you, as an enthusiast, that felt a tinge of hesitation, venturing too far from the elements that make Alien and Aliens so beloved?
Young: Actually, the main point is understanding what attracts you to the movies Alien and Aliens. Given that many people have diverse opinions about them, it’s widely accepted that the first two films are simply unmatched. Our focus lies in preserving their style and the ’70s futurism they embody. We can’t keep modernizing our interpretation of these movies because the version presented in Prometheus is quite different from the original Alien. Adhering to the essence of the initial film, as Ridley Scott intended, offers a sense of continuity and reassurance.
If they were to announce a TV show where Ripley is plucked from her timeline centuries ahead to team up with some pirates, my initial thought would be, “Really? That’s the one you’re choosing for Season 1?” However, drawing inspiration from the first two movies and linking it back to those films provides a sense of confidence. It allows me to focus on my role without worrying about the big picture because everyone else seems to have it under control. What makes this even more convenient is that I get to play a character who’s as clueless as I am, for a change!
Was it when you got to know more about Nibs that you understood which traits from your own character helped you breathe life into it?
Newmark: I’m still working on understanding this, because it’s a compliment, but she’s extremely neurotic and delicate. I, too, embody those traits. I’m fully conscious of being both these things, and there’s a hidden resilience within her that she doesn’t recognize, which I believe I share as well. However, the constant fear of the world and one’s position in it is something that always seems to be at the forefront for me.
What other aspects of the character did you find intriguing that made you eager to explore and dive deep into this universe, aside from its mysterious location and purpose?
When I was given the job offer, they didn’t share much information with me or you. So, I had to rely on rumors. Once I figured out the role and the setting, I became really thrilled because it felt like I was joining a group where we were supposed to be innocent and young, and somehow we shouldn’t even be there. It’s as if they suggested putting a three-year-old in the midst of Braveheart. Not safe, but quite intriguing to watch and see how things unfolded. I think it’s somewhat similar to that situation.
These children, being naturally inquisitive, are often unaware of potential perils and learn from unfortunate experiences. For instance, if you or I were to encounter a frightening sight down a hallway, we’d likely feel an impulse to flee. However, a child might react quite differently due to their unique perspective. In essence, there are multiple paths people could take when faced with such a thing. That’s what fans do – imagine themselves in these situations and ask “What would I do?”, only to realize that they may not be as brave or invincible as they think. As for the kids, they might believe they can tackle even the most formidable challenges, but that’s not always a wise choice.
Ajayi believes that his character values those around him deeply and fears solitude. As we age, many of us confront loneliness, boredom, and similar feelings, but how he manages these emotions is unique. Instead of facing my negative emotions directly, I might go for a walk or discuss them with friends. However, his approach doesn’t seem to fully grasp the potential consequences, unless there’s a childlike innocence involved. There’s also an “always look on the bright side” attitude about him that is quite endearing, and he emphasizes the positive aspects of life in a way that I find inspiring; he’s actually teaching me a lot.
James: Curly is quite determined and knows who she is as a person, which I found really appealing about her. Another thing I enjoy immensely is ensemble work. It’s such a blast to bring this diverse mix of characters to life in the same space. However, I believe it’s Curly in particular who’s eager to showcase her abilities. She’s ready to step up and make her mark. She puts herself forward assertively. She’s all about demonstrating her worth, and I find that spirit invigorating. Walking into a room with a strong presence, that sensation… it was thrilling.
How did it feel adopting a basic, raw, almost childlike perspective within the frame of an adult’s consciousness?
It’s fascinating because much of it is in the dialogues and gestures. On some level, your instincts remain the same. You don’t fundamentally change. Instead, you learn to control those instincts. For instance, I’ve made a conscious decision not to pick my nose in public, while children often do so without thinking. Even in extreme situations like when they’re about to be confronted by an alien, these actions remain the same. It’s also reflected in the words we use. Sometimes, we say things that might appear naive or uninformed, not realizing we may have just read something incorrectly. These are the signs that reveal our true nature.
In a similar vein, just as Sigourney Weaver became an idol for countless fans, I suspect you will have a significant impact on audiences too. Your ability to convey childlike curiosity is particularly noteworthy, and it’s likely that many young viewers, who perhaps shouldn’t be watching yet, will see you as a hero. Is this something you ponder while on set, or are you simply focusing on getting through the day?
Chandler: While I’m working, I prefer focusing on the present moment rather than contemplating the final outcome. I aim to accept whatever comes my way and strive for honesty in my performance. Afterward, I let it go and move on. It’s not the end result that drives me; instead, I enjoy collaborating with remarkable actors and immersing myself in make-believe. If my work can reach one person and help them feel a bit less isolated, then I consider my job well done. For me, everything beyond that is simply bonus – something I try not to dwell on.
After bringing your character to life, how do you think playing them has impacted you?
In simpler terms, Ajayi suggests that the show emphasizes lightheartedness, which is crucial in his opinion. He ponders over why kids need bodies, considering our current technological era where children are less likely to play outside and more aware of social issues. While these traits are positive, they also bring a significant amount of mental stress, which is concerning.
However, this show seems to reintroduce the carefree spirit that kids often possess, even amidst intense circumstances. This could be likened to letting children run outside, play with dirt, throw stones, and fall off their bikes – activities that are less common in today’s world.
James: Through her and actors alike, I draw much from my character’s experiences in this project. I am profoundly thankful for this opportunity, just as she seems to be. This sense of gratitude resonated with me on a human level. It feels like completing a circle of thanks for being part of this journey. As for the morality of AI and related matters, I can’t help but find a strong connection.
Is there a favorite episode that you have, without necessarily revealing why?
Chandler: It’s tough to answer because we haven’t shot every scene yet, and no, I don’t have all the answers. But I truly enjoy the creative process. Each episode adds a unique shade to the overall plot, and they interconnect beautifully, so each one can be appreciated independently.
I’m eagerly anticipating Episode 6. It hasn’t arrived for me yet, but I can’t wait! I’m feeling quite thrilled about it.
Ajayi expresses enthusiasm about the numerous heartwarming moments in the series. As we follow this character’s growth amidst various situations faced by him and his friends, we get to witness an intriguing coming-of-age story. I am genuinely looking forward to experiencing this journey, and though I can’t pinpoint one particular scene as my favorite, I must admit that the overall story leaves me inspired.
User: It seems that the final two episodes are where all the plot points connect and there’s a lot of intense action. However, I’ve had numerous favorite scenes throughout. One scene that always makes me laugh is when the team destroys the spaceship to save survivors, only to hear loud music coming from somewhere. They wonder where it’s coming from and knock on a door. A man dressed as a French aristocrat answers, leaving them bewildered. He says something like, “I assume this is an emergency, but if not, I’m sure [Boy Kavalier] would have informed me, since we frequent the same club.” The team becomes frustrated and tells him to evacuate because of the crashed spaceship. He responds by mentioning the Caspians, which the team doesn’t care about at all and simply orders him to leave for his own safety.
In this scenario, I propose a comedic twist: There’s a group of oblivious wealthy individuals residing in a building where an alien spaceship has crashed. Despite the catastrophic event, they remain indifferent and are focused on throwing a lavish party. It’s ironically amusing, as there’s a life-threatening situation unfolding outside, yet inside, the festivities must go on.
Alien: Earth premieres on FX on August 12th.
The conversation you see here has been shortened and made clearer. If you wish to reach out to Patrick Cavanaugh, feel free to do so via his Twitter or Instagram accounts.
Keep an eye out for additional updates on our “Alien: Earth” coverage, featuring unique conversations with both the actors and production team. To catch up on these insights, simply click over there.
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2025-07-18 23:17