Imagine a franchise so iconic that even its sequels are considered masterpieces. That’s the world of Alien, and at its helm, James Cameron has left an indelible mark. His 1986 masterpiece, Aliens, didn’t just follow Ridley Scott’s groundbreaking original—it redefined what a sequel could be, expanding the universe with bigger stakes and wilder action. So, when Noah Hawley’s Alien: Earth hit the small screen, fans couldn’t help but wonder: What does Cameron think? The answer? He’s a fan—and here’s why that matters.
Alien: Earth takes a bold leap, picking up after a mysterious spacecraft crashes on Earth, thrusting a mismatched group of soldiers into a fight for survival against otherworldly horrors. It’s a premise that feels both familiar and fresh, a delicate balance that Hawley manages to strike. The show recently wrapped its first season, leaving audiences hungry for more—and Cameron himself has given it his stamp of approval.
In a candid chat with Empire Magazine, Cameron praised the series for its ability to honor the franchise’s roots while carving out its own identity. “I like it,” he said. “They’ve taken the DNA from my movie, from Ridley’s movie, and even a bit of that frenetic corridor chase from [David] Fincher’s film. It’s great creative recombinance—celebrating the new with the old.” But here’s where it gets controversial: Can a TV show truly capture the essence of a cinematic franchise? Cameron seems to think so, but not everyone agrees.
What’s even more intriguing is that Cameron, despite likely never returning to the Alien universe himself (thanks to his Avatar commitments), has given Hawley’s vision his blessing. And let’s not forget Ridley Scott’s tangential involvement as an executive producer—though he’s stepped away from directing future Alien films, his name adds a layer of legitimacy to the project. This was, after all, the franchise’s first foray into live-action TV, set on Earth no less. It was a risky move, but one that paid off handsomely.
The show’s success in the ratings and its swift renewal for a second season prove that, even as the franchise nears its 50th anniversary, there’s still plenty of life left in the Alien universe. But this isn’t the only treat for fans. A sequel to Alien: Romulus is in the works, and Predator: Badlands has hinted at potential crossovers, expanding the universe further. Add to that the ongoing comics, video games, and more, and it’s clear: Alien is far from done.
Yet, Alien: Earth stands out as a testament to the franchise’s adaptability. By setting the story on Earth, Hawley brought the terror closer to home, a move that could have backfired but instead reinvigorated the series. And this is the part most people miss: By blending the old with the new, Alien: Earth isn’t just a show—it’s a love letter to the franchise’s legacy.
So, what do you think? Does Alien: Earth live up to the hype, or is it a step too far from the cinematic roots? Let’s debate it in the comments—because in a universe this vast, there’s always room for differing opinions. Alien: Earth is streaming now on Hulu, and whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer, it’s a journey worth taking.