Exploring the complex timeline of the 'Alien' franchise? Gain some insight before diving into its first television series for a more comprehensible experience
In an exciting development for science-fiction enthusiasts, Emmy-winning creator Noah Hawley is unveiling "Alien: Earth," the latest entry in the iconic Alien franchise and its first foray into television.
Set to premiere on Tuesday, "Alien: Earth" takes place two years before the events depicted in the original 1979 film directed by Ridley Scott. The series is a thrilling addition to the multi-chaptered timeline that tells the Xenomorph's story, which includes films such as "Aliens," "Alien 3," "Alien: Covenant," and "Prometheus."
"Alien: Earth" is set in a world where competing global corporations, including Weyland-Yutani, and a hierarchy of human and humanoid beings vie for control after a spaceship crash-lands on Earth, carrying dangerous cargo. Unlike previous installments, this series places the Xenomorphs in a shocking new location: Earth.
While "Prometheus" and its sequel "Alien: Covenant" raise many questions and are not focused on by Noah Hawley in his new project, "Alien: Earth" promises to deliver a compelling narrative that is independent yet connected to the broader Alien universe.
It's worth noting that the Alien films span decades in real time and centuries in the Alien universe. For instance, "Alien: Romulus," set in Alien year 2142, serves as a narrative bridge between the first two films in the franchise, while Ellen Ripley (played by Sigourney Weaver) is stranded in hypersleep after the events of the first movie.
On the other hand, "Alien: Resurrection," set in Alien year 2381, features Ripley as a clone whose DNA is fused with the Xenomorph. This film, directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, is notable for its depiction of the Xenomorphs swimming.
The chronological order of the films and television show within the Alien universe, excluding crossover films with the Predator franchise, is as follows:
- "Prometheus" (set in 2089) – explores the origins of the Alien creatures
- "Alien: Covenant" (set in 2104) – continues the Prometheus storyline
- "Alien: Earth" (TV series, set around 2120) – set between "Alien: Covenant" and "Alien"
- "Alien" (set in 2122) – the first original Alien film
- "Alien: Romulus" (set in 2142) – bridges "Alien" and "Aliens"
- "Aliens" (set in 2179) – sequel to "Alien"
- "Alien 3"
- "Alien: Resurrection"
This timeline places the Prometheus and Alien: Covenant prequels earliest, followed by the original Alien film and its direct sequels and spin-offs, with Alien: Earth squarely between the prequels and the original 1979 movie. The recent Alien: Romulus film serves as a narrative bridge between Alien and Aliens.
With its intriguing premise, promising storyline, and connection to the established Alien universe, "Alien: Earth" is set to captivate audiences and expand the Alien franchise in exciting new directions.
Watching "Alien: Earth," a groundbreaking addition to the Alien franchise, you'll discover an engaging narrative that blends elements of science-fiction, space-and-astronomy, and movies-and-TV, providing entertainment for both loyal fans and newcomers. This television series also marks the Xenomorph's first incursion into Earth-based stories, offering a fresh perspective within the multi-chaptered Alien universe.
Furthermore, despite the focus on the Earth-based setting, the series maintains a connection to the broader Alien universe, making it an independent yet not isolated segment within the overarching narrative of creatures and events.
