Last week we reported the rather surprising news FX’s Alien series was soldiering ahead despite the SAG-AFTRA strike paralysing Hollywood.
Word reached us that production was moving forward in Thailand, enabling the project to skirt around SAG and WAG restrictions. This is accomplished by casting local actors and employing a local crew, not bound by any union.
Although this information met with considerable backlash and confusion from fans, it doesn’t seem to have deterred the team involved as more announcements surface.
This past week we received news that The Babadook star Essie Davis has been added to the cast, and will allegedly portray a character named Dame Sylvia.
Once again, the series craftily avoids Hollywood’s strike action with the inclusion of Davis, as she is an Australian actress and resident, therefore able to work without difficulty.
Being that The Babadook was one of 2014’s most successful horror releases, and has since gone on to become one of the highest regarded examples of “elevated horror,” Davis is quite the acquisition.
FX describe the upcoming series as taking place “before the events featuring Ellen Ripley,” but aside from this we know precious little in the way of plot details. However, we do know that the show is in no way related to Fede Alvarez’s recently-wrapped prequel movie for Disney.
Alongside Davis, the series will star Pistols actress Sydney Chandler in an unspecified role amongst a cast of relative newcomers.
FX and showrunner Noah Hawley declined to comment when asked about the series’ current status and if they could confirm active production was underway.
We will continue to report any further updates on this divisive project as they emerge.
