FX network executive John Landgraf has some new insight to offer about the upcomingAlienseries, based on the sci-fi horror classic. While the show is not yet in production, Landgraf is already preparing fans for a narrative that will break new ground and still honor the original film, a balance at which FX has proven to excel.
Ridley Scott’sAlienpremiered in 1979 to tremendous success. In the decades since, the movie has begotten an entire franchise, including multiple sequels and prequels, though few have managed to replicate the brilliance of the original. The lackluster performance of subsequent entries has turned theAlienfranchise’s reputation into one of risk, but Landgraf has expressed confidence that the series will prevail.
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The network chief spoke to reporters at the Television Critics Association press tour on Thursday, expressing confidence inwriter Noah Hawleyand the story that is being crafted. According to Landgraf, the series will be a prequel of sorts, set on Earth, seventy years from now—but still before Ripley. This will allow the show to “create and design of version of the planet in the future”—an Earth that has been transformed by social and environmental forces. Landgraf also cited Hawley’s past success with FX’sFargo.LikeFargo, Landgraf expects theAlienseries to be “an extension and reinvention” of the franchise.
Indeed, Landgraf’s confidence is not misplaced: Hawley has proven that he can navigate the intricacies of a beloved franchise through bothFargoand FX’sLegion. Both shows have explored beyond their source material, garnering cult followings and extensive critical acclaim in the process. Finding new stories to tell in familiar and engaging paradigms seems to be a specialty of Hawley’s, and there is every reason to think thatAlienwill yield the same result.
Yet the fraughthistory of theAlienfranchisesuggests a potential pitfall. The true legacy of the original film lies in its mastery of horror:Alienhas long been hailed as a movie that perfectly embodies the genre, a shining example of how to effectively employ horror conventions. No subsequent film in the franchise has managed to replicate its success. In fact, one of its prequels,Prometheus, is nearly synonymous with failing audience expectations. The baggage of such failure was not an obstacle in Hawley’s other shows—Fargohad not expanded beyond its movie, andLegionwas both too expansive and too disordered (and too obscure) to carry the kinds of expectations that hauntAlien.
Then again, perhapsAlien’s past failuresprovide something of a roadmap for its success. Having confirmed (with big box office losses) what stories did not interest fans, is the show better-equipped to navigate expectations? Yes and no. Certainly, the show can learn some key lessons from the mistakes of its forerunners, but its creators cannot predict exactly what will resonate with fans…or what will repulse them. Yet Hawley’s track record suggests that whatever fans want, he can provide—and attract new fans along the way.
TheAlienfilms are available on Disney Plus in Canada
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