The Alien TV Spinoff and the Canon of the Franchise
Exploring the impact of Disney's upcoming Alien TV spinoff on the canon of the franchise, particularly in relation to Ridley Scott's prequels and the direction of the new series.
The Evolution of the Alien Franchise
Alien: Covenant - Prologue: The Crossing (2017) Movie Clip | Movieclips Coming Soon
Ridley Scott's most recent additions to the Alien mythos have undoubtedly been blockbusters of epic proportions. However, Disney's upcoming Alien TV spinoff is poised to challenge the canon established by Scott's prequels, signaling a significant shift in the franchise's direction.
An Engineer in Prometheus
The Alien franchise began its journey in 1979 with director Ridley Scott's original sci-fi horror, Alien, a claustrophobic, self-contained chiller that captivated audiences. The success of this hit was followed by director James Cameron's Aliens, a bigger, more action-forward sequel. However, subsequent installments such as Alien 3 and Alien: Resurrection, along with the prequels Prometheus and Alien: Covenant, have sparked varied reactions among fans and critics alike, leading to mixed reviews and middling box office reception.
The Xenomorph jumps out of fog to attack in Alien 1979
The upcoming Alien TV show by FX, along with the standalone sequel Alien: Romulus, promises to reboot the series, charting a new course that diverges from Scott's divisive prequels. This shift is particularly significant as it indicates a departure from the established canon, effectively writing out Prometheus and Alien: Covenant from the series storyline.
Fede Alvarez, director of Alien Romulus, superimposed over two shots of Xenomorphs from the Alien franchise.
The Impact of Noah Hawley's Approach
Noah Hawley's approach to the Alien TV show is a deliberate departure from Ridley Scott's sleek prequels, with a focus on returning to the roots of the franchise's thematic preoccupations. By not borrowing from Scott's prequels and their mythology, Hawley's show is set to bring back the retro-futuristic look and class conflict that was central to the original movies. This decision reflects a desire to recapture the essence of the franchise's early success and appeal.
Michael Fassbender's Walter sipping from straw in Alien_ Covenant
Hawley's emphasis on a more streamlined and hardscrabble narrative, devoid of the existential questions and complex mythology introduced by Scott's prequels, signals a return to the core elements that defined the original Alien movies. This strategic shift in storytelling aligns with the show's intention to revitalize the franchise's essence and engage audiences with a fresh perspective.
An experimental Xenomorph hybrid in Alien: Covenant
The Future of the Franchise
The decision to ignore Scott's prequels in the Alien TV show and the standalone sequel Alien: Romulus signifies a departure from the intricate and expansive narrative established by the prequels. This deliberate move allows the series to refocus on the core appeal of the franchise, reviving the retro-futuristic aesthetic and thematic preoccupations that were integral to the original movies.
An angry Engineer screaming in Alien Covenant
While the fate of David's prequel storyline remains unresolved, the decision to steer clear of Scott's plotline reaffirms that the FX show and Alien: Romulus are poised to carve their own distinct paths within the franchise. By sidestepping the complexities introduced by the prequels, the series can recapture the essence of the original Alien movies and deliver a compelling and focused narrative that resonates with audiences.
Michael Fassbender's David holding an orb in Prometheus
