Timothy Olyphant is set to reunite with Noah Hawley and FX, securing a significant role in the upcoming Alien series. The actor, known for his recurring role in Season 4 of Hawley’s Fargo, will share the screen with Sydney Chandler in Hawley’s prequel to the Alien franchise, according to sources from Deadline.
Details about Olyphant’s character, rumored to be named Kirsh, are being kept under wraps. However, sources suggest that he will portray a synth serving as a mentor and trainer for Chandler’s character, Wendy. Wendy is described as a hybrid, a meta-human with the mind and consciousness of a child but inhabiting an adult body.
Joining Chandler and Olyphant in the main cast are Alex Lawther as CJ, a soldier; Samuel Blenkin as Boy Kavalier, a CEO; Essie Davis as Dame Silvia; Adarsh Gourav as Slightly; and Kit Young as Tootles, as previously reported by Deadline.
Timothy Olyphant (Credits: Geek Culture)
Executive produced by Ridley Scott, the upcoming Alien series is a prequel set before the era of Sigourney Weaver’s Ripley. Notably, it marks the first installment in the franchise to unfold on Earth, approximately 70 years into the future.
Filming for the series commenced in Thailand on July 19, shortly after the initiation of an actors’ strike that excluded SAG-AFTRA members, including Chandler. The production continued for over a month, featuring cast members affiliated with the British trade union Equity. A hiatus was enforced due to the strike, and the show is scheduled to resume production in early 2024, likely in January.
Noah Hawley expressed his anticipation for the project, stating, “I got some footage. Some of the first hour was shot before we had to shut down. It’s stuff to play with and edit. I’m excited to get back in there.”
All scripts for the Alien series were finalized before the WGA strike was declared in May.
Timothy Olyphant has been a prominent figure at FX for the past fifteen years, headlining the network’s enduring hit drama, Justified. Recently, he starred in and executive produced the limited series follow-up, Justified: City Primeval. Alongside his recurring role in Fargo Season 4, Olyphant has been a series regular on Season 2 of FX’s Damages. He is represented by UTA and Shelter PR.
