FX’s Alien: Earth series marks a new exploration of the Alien franchise, delving into the technology behind corporations like Weyland-Yutani, which are linked to the emergence of xenomorphs. The series highlights how these companies view the aliens as potential profit-driving assets. The production designer, Andy Nicholson, faced the challenge of designing new technology, such as advanced weapons, spaceships, androids, and tablets, to reflect the show’s unique setting.
Set two years before the original Alien film, Alien: Earth depicts the aftermath of a Weyland-Yutani ship crash-landing on Earth, resulting in chaos for the residents of Prodigy City. The city’s CEO, Boy Kavalier, perceives the situation as an opportunity amidst the disruption. Through flashbacks to life aboard the USCSS Maginot, the new series establishes visual connections to the original film, including design elements reminiscent of the USCSS Nostromo.
Nicholson researched design concepts from the late 1970s, the era of the first Alien film, while constructing the new ship, the Maginot, to ensure its aesthetic aligned with existing lore. He explained that, like various real-world ships, uniformity can exist within designs from the same manufacturer. The series features synths created by Prodigy Corporation, which utilize the minds of terminally ill children, adding a new layer to their technological offerings.
Nicholson’s design for the tablets prominently featured throughout Alien: Earth aimed to set them apart from other fictional tech. He drew inspiration from vintage devices, such as Sony’s Watchman portable TVs, to create a unique visual identity that reflects both familiarity and novelty. This design approach further enhances the narrative potential of the technology within the show. The season finale of Alien: Earth is set to air on FX tonight.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/entertainment/782939/alien-earth-andy-nicholson-interview