A New Chapter in the Alien Universe
Noah Hawley, known for his Emmy-winning work, had been contemplating an Alien spinoff long before FX secured the rights to the franchise. Now, “Alien: Earth” is set to debut on the small screen, bringing with it the same eerie atmosphere and spine-tingling suspense that made the Ridley Scott sci-fi classic a landmark. This time, however, the series takes a bold new direction by existing in a parallel universe rather than as a direct continuation of the film franchise. Production designer Andy Nicholson played a pivotal role in shaping this new world, drawing from the archives to craft fresh motifs that pay homage to the original while expanding the iconic universe.
Designing the Future of Alien
For Nicholson, the challenge was clear: create a visually compelling world that feels unmistakably Alien but introduces new elements. He worked closely with designer Jason Knox-Johnston to develop the eight-episode series, starting with the question of where the story would take place within the established canon. The answer included three key locations: the Maginot, Prodigy City, and Neverland. Each location required a unique approach to design, blending futuristic elements with the aesthetic of the 1970s and 1980s.
The USCSS Maginot, a Weyland-Yutani research ship, crash-lands in Prodigy City on Neverland, a research island founded by Prodigy Corp’s Boy Kavalier. The clash between the two factions—Team Wey-Yu led by the terminator-like cyborg Morrow and Team Kavalier featuring hybrids led by Wendy—forms the core of the narrative. Nicholson took inspiration from the Nostromo, the iconic ship from the original film, ensuring that the Maginot retained the dark, industrial feel while introducing new elements such as a futuristic escape room filled with yellow lights and old-school monitors.
Crafting the World of Neverland
Creating the aftermath of the Maginot’s wreckage in Prodigy City presented another challenge. Due to the shooting schedule, the team had to construct damaged versions of key interiors first, including the bridge, cryo chamber, and corridors. These sets were designed to be easily swapped, allowing for flexibility during production. For instance, the cryo chamber featured a collapsible ceiling, while a smashed corridor was built in sections to mimic the angle of the crashed aircraft.
A significant portion of the interior work was done on soundstages, but one scene was shot practically in Bangkok. The team found an abandoned shopping mall with a five-story atrium, where they built a 40-foot by 30-foot section of the Maginot and its hull. This practical approach added authenticity to the scene, minimizing the need for set extensions.
The Architecture of Prodigy City
Prodigy City and Neverland were inspired by Thailand’s lush environment and architecture. Nicholson aimed to create a distinct visual identity for each location, ensuring that the audience could easily recognize different parts of Neverland. The use of concrete and brutalist architecture in Bangkok provided a strong foundation for the city’s look. The main street of Prodigy City, located near the production offices, was characterized by its abandoned stores and natural patina, adding to the overall atmosphere.
Graphic designer Neville Brody contributed to the visual style of the city, with his 1980s-era lettering and design influencing the street signs and shop signs. This choice helped maintain a sense of period authenticity while fitting the futuristic setting of the series.
Designing for Suspense
The interiors of Prodigy Corporation were designed to be multifunctional, with large air vents hinting at lax security. Even Boy Kavalier’s sleek office was not immune to the threat of lurking aliens. Nicholson emphasized the importance of creating spaces that never felt safe, with corridors that extended beyond sight and frosted windows that obscured what lay on the other side.
The lab holding the alien life was designed with a muted color palette and tone, ensuring that both the characters and the creatures stood out against the background. The use of fiberglass and vinyl flooring in the corridors prevented any elements from becoming too prominent, maintaining the tension and suspense throughout the series.
A Global Collaboration
The production team in Thailand brought their expertise to the project, helping to recreate elements that were reminiscent of the original film. Nicholson praised their ability to source materials that were not readily available elsewhere, allowing the team to stay true to the spirit of the original while adding their own creative touch.
With its blend of nostalgia and innovation, “Alien: Earth” promises to expand the Alien universe in exciting new ways. The series premieres August 12 on FX with new episodes weekly.
