The New Zealand-based workshop behind the effects of the critically acclaimed The Lord of the Rings film trilogy will be responsible for bringing the Xenomorphs in Noah Hawley’s upcoming Alien series to life.
That’s according to an exclusive report by Alien vs. Predator fan site AVP Galaxy, which reported early this week that Weta will be behind the design of the alien creatures that originated from the mind of Swiss artist H. R. Giger. It’s unclear whether the Xenomorphs will lean toward a practical design like the original films or be brought to life via CG, however.
“Though we can safely reveal that Weta is currently involved in the series’ production, we can’t say what the blend of practical and digital effects will be for the Aliens when the series moves into production in March,” AVP Galaxy wrote, pointing out that Weta is equipped for both via its Digital and Workshop departments, which specialize in computer generated effects and practical effects, respectively.
“Set not too far into our future, it’s the first ‘Alien’ set on Earth — and by blending both the timeless horror of the first ‘Alien’ film with the non-stop action of the second, it’s going to be a scary thrill ride that will blow people back in their seats,” reads a synopsis for the show that is being developed by Noah Hawley and produced by Ridley Scott for FX.
Hawley will direct the first episode of the Alien series, according to his page on iMDB. An interview with Vanity Fair from last summer confirmed that the show won’t center around the franchise’s typical lead, Ellen Ripley, who was played by Sigourney Weaver in the first four films.
Source: AVP Galaxy