Timothy Olyphant is joining forces with Noah Hawley and FX once again, taking on a significant role in the upcoming Alien series. Following his appearance in Season 4 of Hawley’s Fargo, Olyphant is slated to co-star with Sydney Chandler in Hawley’s Alien prequel, as reported by Deadline.
Specifics about Olyphant’s character remain undisclosed, but it’s been revealed that he will portray Kirsh, a synth serving as a mentor and trainer for Wendy, played by Chandler. Wendy is described as a hybrid, possessing the cognitive abilities of a child in an adult body.
Alongside Chandler, Olyphant becomes part of a primary cast, which, as per Deadline’s report, features Alex Lawther in the role of CJ, a soldier, Samuel Blenkin as Boy Kavalier, a CEO, along with Essie Davis as Dame Silvia, Adarsh Gourav as Slightly, and Kit Young as Tootles.
The upcoming Alien series, executive produced by Ridley Scott, unfolds in a timeframe preceding Sigourney Weaver’s Ripley and marks the franchise’s inaugural story set on Earth, approximately 70 years into the future.
Commencing on July 19 in Thailand, production began just four days after the initiation of the actors’ strike and proceeded without the participation of SAG-AFTRA members, including Chandler. Filming persisted for over a month, involving cast members associated with the British trade union Equity.
The plan is to recommence production in early 2024, with January being the probable timeframe.
The resumption of production is scheduled for early 2024, likely in January.
Hawley recently informed Deadline, “I have some footage. Some of the initial hour was filmed before the shutdown. It’s material to work with and edit. I’m eager to dive back into it.”
All scripts for the Alien series were finalized before the WGA strike was initiated in May.
Timothy Olyphant has been a prominent figure at FX for the past fifteen years. He led the network’s enduringly popular drama Justified and played a key role in the limited series follow-up, Justified: City Primeval. Alongside his significant recurring role in Fargo Season 4, Olyphant was also a series regular in Season 2 of FX’s Damages. His representation is managed by UTA and Shelter PR.
Source: Deadline
