MOVIE NEWS – Millions around the world are eagerly awaiting the arrival of Alien: Earth (FX: Alien: Earth), an FX production set to open up entirely new perspectives on the world of xenomorphs. This sci-fi horror debuts on Disney+ August 13, giving viewers a glimpse into a future as yet unimaginable: the year 2120, when five mega-corporations rule the planet.

Synthetic robots, spaceships, and hybrids all play their part, but the main focus remains on the aliens—though not in the way you might expect. Whether you’re excited for FX’s Alien: Earth or totally new to the xenomorph universe, here are some must-know facts to get you started.

The Birth of the Xenomorph – A Sci-Fi Classic

The very first Alien film, 1979’s Alien, directed by Ridley Scott, quickly became a cornerstone of horror sci-fi. This is where the franchise’s iconic monster, the xenomorph, made its debut—a relentless alien lifeform out for human blood.

Set in the year 2122, Alien was followed by three more films starring Sigourney Weaver as Lt. Ripley, locked in an ongoing battle with the aliens: Aliens, Alien 3, and Alien: Resurrection. These sequels steadily expanded the original sci-fi horror universe, making them perfect viewing for thriller and action fans alike.

Alien Movie Marathon? Always a Good Idea!

2012’s Prometheus jumps even further back, spanning 2091–2094, while Alien: Covenant (2017) whisks us off to 2104. One of the most intriguing entries is last year’s Alien: Romulus, set in 2142.

Comparing the release order and in-universe chronology, there are a ton of details to spot, so it’s worth watching the earlier films before Alien: Earth drops—all are available on Disney+ for the perfect marathon.

Acid Blood and Cell Division – Alien Anatomy 101

The unmistakable, elongated-headed creatures were conceived by Swiss artist H. R. Giger, but the aliens themselves have changed in subtle ways over the years. That’s why it’s so exciting to see what twists the iconic monster will get in Alien: Earth—the trailers already hint at new surprises.

One thing is certain: xenomorph blood is deadly acid, so you’ll want to avoid contact at all costs. Their life begins as eggs laid by a queen. Aliens do have weak spots, but not many: they don’t cope well with high temperatures, so make sure you’ve got a flamethrower and some protective gear for deep space. The rest is best left as a surprise, but here’s one tip—if you find a mysterious egg on an alien world, don’t lean over it.

If Things Go Wrong: Head Back to Earth—or Maybe Don’t?

Almost every Alien film hints at a return to Earth—and the risk of aliens making it to humanity’s homeworld. Some people want to use the creatures for military or scientific gain, but it never works out: the aliens always break loose and destroy everything in their path.

The Alien universe is more than an endless fight between humans and xenomorphs. From the beginning, there’s a thread of hope and a will to survive, paired with a unique, haunting aesthetic. The infinite expanse of space and the fate of humanity raise big questions—ones we’ve pondered for millennia.

So what will the characters do when the USCSS Maginot crash-lands on our planet in Alien: Earth? Noah Hawley is searching for answers in this new drama series that expands the Alien universe.

The eight-episode first season of Alien: Earth lands on Disney+ starting August 13.