Franchise timeline divergence is on the horizon for the Alien universe. Noah Hawley, showrunner for the upcoming FX series Alien: Earth, is charting a course that may retcon elements established in Ridley Scott’s prequel films, Prometheus and Alien: Covenant. This shift aims to distance the series from the prequels’ controversial lore, particularly the origin of the xenomorph, and could significantly alter the established continuity of the franchise.
A New Direction for Alien: Earth
According to reports from outlets like Popverse, Screen Rant, Inverse, and Alien-Covenant.com, Hawley intends to largely disregard the narrative threads introduced in Prometheus and Alien: Covenant. A central point of contention is the origin of the xenomorph. The prequels suggest that humanity, specifically the android David, played a role in its creation. Hawley, however, envisions the xenomorph as a “perfectly evolved species” with a history spanning millions of years. This contrasts sharply with the prequels’ concept of a “bioweapon made half an hour ago,” as reported by Screen Rant.
This new direction seeks to simplify the franchise’s increasingly complex and “knotty chronology,” as Hawley described it. By sidestepping the prequels’ established lore, Alien: Earth aims to offer a fresh perspective on the iconic creatures and their place in the universe.
Earthbound Xenomorphs: A Retcon in the Making?
A key element of Alien: Earth is its setting: our home planet. This represents a significant departure from the predominantly space-based settings of the main Alien films. As the established timeline dictates, xenomorphs are not supposed to exist on Earth (excluding the non-canonical Alien vs. Predator films). This necessitates a retcon of existing lore to accommodate the series’ Earth-bound narrative.
While Hawley hasn’t explicitly stated that he’s breaking canon, he aims to “keep the lid on that can of worms,” according to Inverse, and tell a story that resonates with his personal experience of the franchise. This approach contrasts with Fede Álvarez’s recent film, Alien: Romulus, which, as reported by Alien-Covenant.com, incorporates ideas from Prometheus and Covenant, maintaining closer ties to the prequel storyline.
Timeline and Continuity: Parallel Universes?
Alien: Earth is set around 2120, approximately 30 years after the events of Prometheus and two years before the original Alien film. This places the series within the existing timeline but allows for creative freedom in how it interacts with established events. Gina Balian, president of FX, has indicated that Alien: Earth will exist “in parallel” to the film franchise, suggesting a more flexible approach to continuity. This “parallel” existence could allow the series to explore new storylines and character arcs without being strictly bound by the established canon.
According to Popverse’s coverage, the decision to set the series on Earth is a deliberate attempt to explore new themes and perspectives within the Alien universe. By bringing the xenomorph threat to our own planet, Alien: Earth aims to create a more immediate and relatable sense of horror.
Simplifying the Xenomorph Origin
The prequels, particularly Prometheus, delved into the origins of the xenomorph in ways that divided fans. The introduction of the Engineers and the idea that David, the android, played a crucial role in the creature’s creation, added layers of complexity to the Alien mythos. Hawley’s approach seeks to strip away some of this complexity, returning the xenomorph to its roots as a terrifying, enigmatic force of nature.
As Screen Rant notes, Hawley’s vision aligns with the original Alien film’s portrayal of the xenomorph as a purely instinctual and relentlessly dangerous creature. By minimizing the focus on its artificial creation, Alien: Earth aims to recapture the sense of primal fear that made the original film so iconic.
Retcon Implications
The potential retcon of Prometheus and Alien: Covenant has significant implications for the Alien franchise. It could create a branching timeline, where Alien: Earth exists in a separate continuity from the prequels. This would allow future Alien projects to choose which version of the timeline they want to follow, offering greater creative flexibility. However, it also risks alienating fans who are invested in the prequels’ storyline.
Inverse highlights the challenges of maintaining a cohesive narrative across multiple films and series, especially when dealing with complex and evolving lore. By streamlining the xenomorph’s origin and focusing on the immediate threat it poses, Alien: Earth aims to offer a more accessible and engaging experience for viewers, even if it means sacrificing some of the established continuity.
Ultimately, the success of Alien: Earth will depend on its ability to tell a compelling story that resonates with audiences, regardless of its adherence to established canon. By focusing on character development, suspenseful storytelling, and the iconic horror of the xenomorph, the series has the potential to carve out its own unique place within the Alien universe.
Conclusion
Alien: Earth‘s approach signals a potential shift in how the Alien franchise handles its continuity. By potentially retconning elements from Prometheus and Alien: Covenant, the series aims to offer a fresh perspective on the xenomorph and its place in the universe. Whether this divergence will ultimately strengthen or weaken the franchise remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly opens up new possibilities for storytelling and character exploration within the Alien universe.
