The upcoming FX Alien prequel series from Noah Hawley will not utilize the backstory provided by the film Prometheus, distinguishing itself by embracing the "retro-futurism" of the original Alien films. This new chapter in the Alien saga is set about 70 years in the future, closer to the timeline of Prometheus and Alien: Covenant but preceding Ridley Scott’s original 1979 Alien movie. Hawley has opted to ignore the notion that the iconic Xenomorph was a recently created bioweapon, instead reverting to the idea of it being a "perfect life form" evolved over millions of years.

This decision underscores Hawley's preference for the aesthetic and tone of the first two Alien films, highlighting traditional technology over advanced, holographic interfaces. The series will also feature an Earth-based storyline focused on class inequality, avoiding any focus on the character Ripley. With Sydney Chandler leading the cast alongside Timothy Olyphant, Alex Lawther, and others, production is poised to resume soon in Thailand after delays.

Parallel to this development, a new Alien movie titled Alien: Romulus, set between the first and second films, is also in production, scheduled for release on August 16, 2024. Following the somewhat divisive reaction to 2017’s Alien: Covenant, the new projects indicate a renewed interest in exploring the Alien universe further.

When is the FX Alien series set to release?

As of the current update, there is no specific release date announced for the FX Alien prequel series.

The original Alien franchise began with Ridley Scott's horror classic in 1979, carving a deep impact on the science fiction genre. The subsequent films, including James Cameron's action-driven sequel Aliens in 1986, expanded the universe with mixed critical reception. The prequel films Prometheus and Alien: Covenant, directed by Scott, ventured into the origins of the Xenomorphs. With Noah Hawley's series and Alien: Romulus movie on the horizon, there's a clear momentum in revisiting and expanding upon the dark and complex universe that has captivated fans for decades.