With Alien: Earth landing on Hulu on Aug. 12, there has never been a better time to revisit the movie that started it all. Ridley Scott's Alien first hit theaters in 1979, and nearly five decades later, its chilling atmosphere, groundbreaking design, and unforgettable heroine continue to loom large in popular culture. Alien didn't just redefine a genre. It built a legacy spawning sequels, spin-offs, comic books, video games, and one of the most devoted fan bases the world over. Whether you're new to the franchise or just looking for a little refresher before Noah Hawley's newest chapter drops, this latest Heist Guide is sure to get you up to speed!
Now, grab your flamethrower, watch those vents, and prepare to meet the movie that proved that in space, no one can hear you scream ...
What is Alien?
Released in 1979, Alien is a genre-defining sci-fi horror classic directed by the legendary Ridley Scott. Starring Sigourney Weaver in her breakout role alongside Tom Skerritt, Veronica Cartwright, John Hurt, Ian Holm, Harry Dean Stanton, and Yaphet Kotto, the film follows the crew of the space tug Nostromo as they investigate a mysterious distress signal — and accidentally unleash one of cinema's most terrifying creatures. What begins as a routine mission soon turns into a fight for survival in deep space. With its chilling atmosphere, iconic alien design, and edge-of-your-seat suspense, Alien didn't just scare audiences — it spawned a pop culture phenomenon that still thrives today.
Where did the idea for Alien come from?
Alien began as the brainchild of screenwriter Dan O'Bannon, who wanted to mix old-school sci-fi with spine-tingling horror. Teaming up with Ronald Shusett, the duo cooked up a story about a deadly creature loose on a spaceship. The original title? Star Beast — thankfully swapped out for the cooler (and far creepier) Alien. Drawing inspiration from classics like The Thing from Another World and Forbidden Planet, the script eventually landed in the hands of director Ridley Scott, who amped up the tension and ambience. The result? A stylish, suspense-packed sci-fi masterpiece that redefined a genre and left audiences scared out of their wits.
Is it true that the scariest alien in cinema history comes from ... an egg?
It sure is! In Alien, it all starts with a creepy egg found on a derelict ship. Crack it open (bad idea), and out pops a Facehugger — a clingy little nightmare with zero respect for personal space. It latches onto a host, plants an embryo, and boom — say hello to the infamous Chestburster! That squirmy terror eventually grows into the full-blown Xenomorph we all know and fear. Gross? Definitely. Brilliant? You bet. It's one of cinema's most unforgettable life cycles — and yes, it all begins with something as innocent as an egg. Surprise!
Interesting! Who played the Alien on screen?
The Alien was brought to life by Bolaji Badejo, a 6'10" Nigerian design student with a uniquely tall, slender build. He was discovered in a London pub and cast because his body type was perfect for the imposing presence Ridley Scott was looking for. Wearing an intricately designed creature suit, Badejo moved with slow, deliberate grace, making the Alien feel both believable and otherworldly. He had no previous acting experience, but his unique presence helped create one of movieland's most memorable monsters. Alien was Badejo's only film role — but what a way to leave a mark on popular culture!
Awesome! So, who designed the Xenomorph?
The design of the Alien came from the mind of Swiss artist H.R. Giger, master of all things weird and wonderfully creepy. Known for his surreal, biomechanical style, Giger was brought onto the film by director Ridley Scott, who was captivated by his haunting artwork. The creature's final design was based on Giger's 1976 painting Necronom IV — a wild fusion of bones and machines that created something truly unique. With its sleek frame, double jaws, and acid blood, the Xenomorph wasn't just scary — it was unforgettable. Giger's design set a whole new bar for movie monsters and gave the silver screen one of its most iconic and chilling creations ever.
Who's this Ripley character?
Played to perfection by Sigourney Weaver, Ellen Ripley is one of sci-fi's greatest heroes. As Warrant Officer aboard the Nostromo, she faced off against the Alien and lived to tell her tale — becoming the sole human survivor of a truly terrifying ordeal. Smart, tough, and always one step ahead, Ripley later teamed up with the Colonial Marines and squared off against an Alien Queen (1986's Aliens), and eventually made the ultimate sacrifice on Fiorina 161 (1992's Alien 3) before returning as a hybrid clone several years later (1997's Alien Resurrection). Her legacy? Absolutely legendary. Alongside icons like Princess Leia and Sarah Connor, Ripley remains a fearless symbol of strength, smarts, and female empowerment that still inspires fans around the world.
Sole survivor? Who else was on the Nostromo?
Alongside Ripley, the Nostromo's crew includes six unforgettable spacefarers: cool headed Captain Arthur Dallas (Tom Skerritt), unlucky Executive Officer Gilbert Kane (John Hurt), nervous Navigator Joan Lambert (Veronica Cartwright), no-nonsense Chief Engineer Dennis Parker (Yaphet Kotto), quiet-but-capable Engineering Assistant Samuel Brett (Harry Dean Stanton), and the ever-suspicious Science Officer Ash (Ian Holm). Woken from stasis to check out a mysterious distress signal, they expect a routine mission — but instead stumble into a full-blown nightmare.
Hold on! Ripley was the lone human survivor? Who else was on the ship?
That would be Jones, or Jonesy. He's an orange tabby cat kept aboard the Nostromo and the unofficial MVP of Alien! Technically, he's there to keep the ship rodent free, but mostly he lounges around, plays with the crew, and throws some serious side-eye at lurking space monsters. When the Alien starts picking off crewmates, Jonesy keeps his cool and somehow manages to survive the chaos, curling up safe and sound with Ripley in a crypod before the end of the film. In a movie packed with tension and terror, this fearless feline steals the spotlight — and the hearts of fans everywhere.
How did Alien do at the box office?
Alien didn't just burst out of chests — it exploded onto the big screen. Opening in 90 U.S. theatres over Memorial Day weekend, the film smashed 51 house records and hauled in over $3.5 million, holding the #1 spot for three straight weeks. Across the pond, it ruled the UK box office for a staggering eight weeks. While reviews were initially mixed, critics couldn't deny the film's masterful tension, chilling atmosphere, and groundbreaking blend of sci-fi and horror. Its jaw-dropping special effects and hauntingly realistic setting earned high praise — and with multiple reissues, Alien has amassed a worldwide box office take estimated to be between $104.9 million and $203.6 million.
Impressive! So, where Can I watch Alien?
If you're looking to take a trip aboard the Nostromo and check out Alien for yourself, it's widely available and ready to terrify on multiple mediums. You can snag it on Blu-Ray or DVD for a killer home collection — often packed with bonus features like director commentary and tantalizing glimpses behind-the-scenes. Prefer streaming? Alien is currently available to watch on services like Hulu, and to rent or buy on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV and Google Play. It even makes the rounds on cable from time to time, so be sure to keep an eye on your local TV listings.
Keep coming back to Pop Heist for more on the Alien franchise as well as recaps of Alien: Earth, beginning on August 13.
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