How Alien: Earth Honors the Horror of Ridley Scott’s Original Films

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The “Alien” film series is known for some of the most memorable and, arguably, terrifying moments ever captured on celluloid. From the shocking “chest burster” scene to the unforgettable reveal of a fully grown Xenomorph, these films have been sending chills down viewers’ spines for years. In creating the FX series “Alien: Earth“, Noah Hawley paid homage to Ridley Scott’s originals by incorporating gradually escalating horror, tantalizing glimpses of monsters that hint at numerous future scares, and a nail-biting search-and-rescue sequence on a replica of the original USCSS Nostromo. Despite being set on Earth instead of in space, “Alien: Earth” still promises plenty of frightening moments.

Game Rant had a conversation with Hawley, who was both the showrunner and executive producer for the series “Alien: Earth”, and also wrote and directed multiple episodes. During this discussion, they discussed how the series pays tribute to the horror elements of the “Alien” films. Hawley emphasized that the show starts off appearing ordinary but quickly escalates into frightening scenarios. Cast members such as Alex Lawther (Hermit) and Babou Ceesay (Morrow) shared their experiences with spine-tingling moments while filming.

Alien: Earth Makes Use Of Alien’s Slow-Building Horror Strategy

Hawley pointed out one intriguing aspect of Ridley’s film: it doesn’t have the typical horror movie feel for about half an hour into it. He drew a contrast with movies like “The Shining” and “Alien,” which set themselves up as horrors from their opening scenes, while “Alien” initially seems like a mundane workplace drama about unhappy characters who are underpaid. The film introduces the cast and their daily lives on the Nostromo before viewers even catch a glimpse of the Alien.

In the film ‘Alien: Earth’, Hawley employed a similar gradual approach, just like he did in his earlier work. The narrative starts with a casual conversation among characters on board a spaceship, interspersed with laughter and camaraderie. However, unlike Ridley Scott’s original ‘Alien’, viewers don’t have to endure quite as much anticipation before encountering the Xenomorph alien. Hawley chose this structure for ‘Alien: Earth’ to echo the opening of the original film.

In the everyday routine, there emerges a growing feeling of unease and terror, much like the beginning of the movie ‘Alien.’ This is intentional, to let viewers know we appreciate its essence and the authenticity needed for them to think, ‘We’re in capable hands.’ We aim to recreate that initial trust-building feeling.

Alien: Earth’s Cast Fully Embraced The Horror

Alex Lawther, acting as the military medic Hermit, is depicted delving into the debris of a downed Weyland-Yutani corporation vessel together with his team. Lawther himself described this scenario as intensely chilling, both in terms of viewing it and filming it, because the special effects and set construction effectively heightened the suspense and authenticity surrounding the discovery that something decidedly non-human was present on that ship: a truly spine-tingling experience.

In this scene, there were actual explosions, people dressed as if they were wounded, flashing lights, and flames rising. The atmosphere was thick with tension, which we captured while filming. As an actor, it’s beneficial to have such tangible elements because relying solely on collective imagination has its limits.

In a challenging role, actor Babou Ceesay brought to life Morrow, the composed Weyland-Yutani security officer who remained unfazed amidst the chaos caused by a Xenomorph. His performance evoked memories of Ripley’s steadfastness during the original Alien movie. Describing Morrow as someone who perseveres in the face of terror, Ceesay explained that Morrow is driven by a greater purpose and responsibility, understanding that if he gives in to fear, he has failed.

The show “Alien: Earth” primarily revolves around advanced technology, cyborgs such as Morrow, and human-robot hybrids like Wendy (Sydney Chandler). However, it doesn’t forget that “Alien” is fundamentally a horror series at its core, delivering chilling suspense and occasional shock moments to instill fear in viewers once more.

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2025-08-06 13:04