A New Chapter for the "Alien" Franchise
Eight years ago, Noah Hawley, a multi-talented writer, producer, and director, crafted a five-page pitch for FX. This was his vision for what he would do with the "Alien" franchise if given the opportunity to explore its universe, which was first introduced in Ridley Scott's groundbreaking 1979 film. Now, after years of development, FX is set to unveil its most ambitious project yet: a brand-new TV series that marks the franchise's first-ever foray into television.
The upcoming series, titled "Alien: Earth," will debut on FX and Hulu on August 12. It has been described as a bold and high-stakes venture, with a budget that surpasses even FX’s most expensive previous productions. The show is based on an outline Hawley created eight years ago, and according to Daniel D'Addario, chief correspondent for the Daily News, all of the key elements from that original pitch have made it into the final product.
D'Addario shared insights on the latest episode of the "Daily Daily News" podcast, highlighting how Hawley's creative vision has shaped the series. He emphasized that Hawley, known for his prolific output and unique storytelling, has managed to bring a fresh perspective to the "Alien" universe without making it feel like a mere extension of the brand. “It's 'Alien,' but it is fundamentally a Noah Hawley show as well,” D'Addario noted.
Hawley’s ability to work within the framework of an established intellectual property while maintaining his own voice has earned him the trust of FX leadership. His background as a novelist, filmmaker, and television writer has allowed him to approach the project with both creativity and expertise.
Marvel's Struggles and the Future of Comic Con
In addition to discussing "Alien: Earth," the podcast also featured a conversation with Adam B. Vary, senior entertainment writer for the Daily News. Vary provided an inside look at what to expect from this year’s San Diego Comic Con, which kicks off on July 24. He noted that the event may not be as impactful as in previous years, as Marvel and DC Studios are not hosting their usual large-scale presentations.
Vary also discussed his recent interview with Kevin Feige, CEO of Marvel Studios, who gave a candid assessment of the company’s recent challenges. Feige revealed that Marvel had become overextended in recent years, particularly due to the rapid expansion of content for Disney+. From 2008 to 2019, Marvel produced approximately 50 hours of film and television content. In the last six years alone, that number has more than doubled to over 120 hours.
“This massive increase in volume really diluted the brand, diluted their quality,” Vary explained. Feige admitted that for the first time, quantity began to outweigh quality. This shift has had a noticeable impact on the studio’s reputation and audience engagement.
The Changing Landscape of Comic Con
With Marvel stepping back from its usual high-profile presence and DC Studios also being less visible, Vary predicts that this year’s Comic Con will be more subdued than in the past. “It's generally going to be a little bit of a quieter Comic Con,” he said. This could mean fewer big announcements and a greater focus on fan interactions rather than industry showcases.
Despite the changes, Comic Con remains a significant event for studios and creators looking to connect with audiences and generate buzz around upcoming projects. While the format may be shifting, the spirit of the convention—celebrating pop culture and innovation—remains strong.
For fans of "Alien: Earth," the upcoming series promises to deliver a fresh take on one of science fiction’s most iconic franchises. With Hawley at the helm and a massive budget behind it, the show represents a major risk and a bold move for FX. Whether it will succeed in capturing the essence of "Alien" while offering something new remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the world of "Alien" is about to get a lot more interesting.