Alien: Earth - Honoring Ridley Scott's Legacy in Noah Hawley's Series
Noah Hawley faced a challenge when he decided to pay homage to Ridley Scott's "Alien" in the middle of expanding the franchise with his series "Alien: Earth." Set two years before the original film, the series primarily takes place on Earth, which is divided into five tech companies' spheres of influence. The story kicks off when a space research vessel crashes into Prodigy Corp.-controlled Bangkok, owned by Weyland-Yutani, the same group that operates the Nostromo in "Alien."
The design of the ship, the Maginot, was a crucial aspect where homage to the original film took precedence over exploring new locations and themes. The production designer, Andy Nicholson, meticulously recreated the '79 feel of the original "Alien" film, drawing inspiration from the intricate sets and interiors. The attention to detail included replicating the corridors' height based on the actors' heights and sourcing primitive cathode ray screens for the Mother room.
The sets for the Maginot's interior, including the Mother room, mess hall, and engineering room, were meticulously reproduced to resemble the Nostromo's design. New elements, such as an extended cryopod chamber and a containment lab for otherworldly lifeforms, were added to enhance the storyline. The production team occupied a Bangkok studio to film the zoo, mess hall, and engineering room sets, requiring longer corridors for the xenomorph chases.
The episode "In Space, No One ..." delves into a different cast of characters within an hour-long runtime, providing backstory for Morrow, the Maginot's security officer. Despite his questionable actions, Morrow's character is humanized through his emotional turmoil and past regrets. The episode also includes references to iconic elements from the original "Alien" film, catering to fans of the franchise.
Noah Hawley aimed to create a rewarding experience for fans with the homage to "Alien" in the series, balancing world-building, thematic exploration, and character development. While the series deviates from the specific rhythm of the films, the inclusion of familiar elements in "In Space" serves as a satisfying payoff for viewers invested in the franchise.