The ‘Alien’ movies, games, and comics have been around for a long time, and trying to figure out when everything happens can be a real headache. It’s not just about the films; there are so many other stories that fit into the overall timeline, sometimes neatly, sometimes not so much. This article will help you sort out the main events and how they all connect in the vast aliens year set, giving you a clearer picture of the franchise’s history.
Key Takeaways
- The ‘Alien’ universe started with the Nostromo’s journey, but corporate documents and other media quickly added more layers to the early aliens year set.
- The main ‘Aliens’ saga expanded the timeline, with various films and other stories building on the core events, though canon can be a bit tricky to pin down.
- Prequels like ‘Prometheus’ and ‘Alien: Covenant’ changed some ideas about the Xenomorph’s origins, making the aliens year set more complex.
- Beyond movies, games like ‘Alien: Isolation’ and comic books like ‘Aliens: Defiance’ fill in gaps and add new stories to the aliens year set.
- The ‘Alien vs. Predator’ films introduced a crossover timeline, which sometimes conflicts with the main ‘Alien’ story, showing how flexible the aliens year set can be.
The Genesis of Terror: Early Alien Year Set
Nostromo’s Ill-Fated Voyage: The Original Alien Year Set
The year the Nostromo encountered the Xenomorph is ground zero for the entire franchise. It’s where the horror began, and it set the tone for everything that followed. The events of Alien are the cornerstone upon which all subsequent timelines and stories are built. It’s easy to forget, given all the sequels and prequels, just how impactful that initial voyage was. It wasn’t just a space trucking job gone wrong; it was humanity’s first, terrifying introduction to a creature beyond comprehension. The claustrophobic setting, the sense of isolation, and the slow burn of dread are all elements that continue to define the Alien universe. It’s a masterclass in suspense and creature design, and it all stems from that single, doomed mission. The film uses the cinema of invisibility, where the viewer imagines the violence of the monster.
Weyland-Yutani Inquest: Unearthing Corporate Documents
Following the Nostromo incident, the Weyland-Yutani Corporation’s response is almost as chilling as the Xenomorph itself. The corporate documents and internal investigations that followed reveal a disturbing willingness to sacrifice human lives for the sake of profit and scientific advancement. This aspect of the Alien universe adds a layer of social commentary, highlighting the dangers of unchecked corporate power. The company’s relentless pursuit of the Xenomorph, regardless of the cost, becomes a recurring theme throughout the series. It’s a stark reminder that in the cold vacuum of space, some monsters wear suits instead of exoskeletons. The company is building better worlds, but at what cost?
The Evolution of the Franchise: From Film to Transmedia
From its humble beginnings as a single, terrifying film, the Alien franchise has expanded into a vast transmedia universe. Comic books, video games, novels, and more have all contributed to the lore, exploring different facets of the Xenomorph and the worlds it inhabits. This expansion has allowed for a deeper exploration of the themes and characters introduced in the original film, while also introducing new and exciting elements. However, it also presents challenges in terms of maintaining continuity and consistency across different mediums. The alien would constantly evolve, according to star Sigourney Weaver. Despite these challenges, the transmedia nature of the Alien franchise has allowed it to remain relevant and engaging for over four decades. It’s a testament to the enduring power of the original film and the rich universe it created.
Expanding the Universe: Key Years in the Aliens Saga
The Aliens universe really took off after the initial film, branching out in many directions. It’s not just about the movies anymore; there are comics, games, and all sorts of expanded lore that add layers to the story. Let’s look at some of the key moments and how they fit together.
Hadley’s Hope: The Colonial Marines’ Stand
This is where things got intense. The colony of Hadley’s Hope on LV-426, established around 2159 AD, seemed like a good idea at first, a terraforming operation. But then, boom, Xenomorphs. The arrival of the Colonial Marines, led by Ripley, turned it into a desperate battle for survival. The events at Hadley’s Hope are central to understanding the expanded universe, showcasing the dangers of corporate greed and the resilience of humanity.
The Alien Quadrilogy: A Chronological Journey
Let’s break down the core films in chronological order:
- Alien (2122): The Nostromo encounters the Xenomorph for the first time.
- Aliens (2179): Ripley returns to LV-426 with the Colonial Marines.
- Alien 3 (2179): Ripley crash lands on Fiorina 161, a penal colony.
- Alien Resurrection (2379): Scientists clone Ripley, leading to a new Xenomorph threat.
Each film adds to the overall narrative, though some entries are more divisive than others. It’s interesting to see how the timeline progresses and how the Xenomorph threat evolves. You can also see the Alien movie franchise in release order.
Tier System: Understanding Canon in the Aliens Year Set
With so much Aliens content out there, it’s helpful to have a canon tier system. Not everything is considered equally important or "official". Here’s a simplified breakdown:
- Tier 1 (Movie Canon): The original films are the foundation.
- Tier 2 (Expanded Universe): Novels, comics, and games that generally align with the films.
- Tier 3 (Alternative Timelines): Stories that deviate significantly or exist in their own continuity, like some Alien vs. Predator tales.
Understanding this tier system helps you make sense of the sprawling Aliens universe and decide what you consider to be part of the main story. It’s all about how you want to experience the expanded lore.
Prequels and Paradoxes: Revisiting the Aliens Year Set
The Alien franchise timeline gets a little messy when you start looking at the prequels. It’s like they decided to rewrite some of the rules, and not everyone’s happy about it. The original quadrilogy felt like one continuous story, but then Prometheus and Alien: Covenant came along and threw a wrench in things. It’s not just about when these movies are set, but how they change what we thought we knew about the Xenomorph’s origins.
Prometheus: Unveiling the Engineers’ Secrets
Prometheus takes us way back to 2093, before the events of Alien. The movie introduces the Engineers, a mysterious race of beings who seem to have a hand in creating humanity. But it also suggests they might be responsible for the Xenomorphs, or at least the "black goo" that leads to their creation. This is where things get complicated. It’s a cool concept, but it messes with the established timeline and origin story. It’s like finding out your favorite superhero’s backstory was completely different than you thought. powerful simulations are a key element.
Alien: Covenant: A New Chapter in Creation
Alien: Covenant continues the story, showing us more about the black goo and how it leads to the Xenomorph we know and fear. The movie further complicates the timeline, suggesting that David, the android from Prometheus, played a significant role in the Xenomorph’s creation. Some fans feel like Covenant retcons previous movies, especially Aliens, by seemingly eliminating the need for a Queen. It’s like the writers decided to streamline the Xenomorph lifecycle, but in doing so, they ignored some of the established lore. It’s a bold move, but it’s also divisive.
Retconning the Xenomorph: Shifting Origins
The biggest issue with the prequels is how they retcon the Xenomorph’s origins. In the original movies, the Xenomorph felt like a force of nature, an ancient and unknowable terror. But Prometheus and Covenant give it a more concrete origin, tying it to the Engineers and David. This shift changes the ontological nature of the aliens. Some fans argue that this makes the Xenomorph less scary, while others appreciate the new layers of complexity. Either way, it’s clear that the prequels have significantly altered the Alien timeline and the Xenomorph’s place in it. It’s a debate that’s likely to continue as the franchise evolves. The Alien franchise has a complex timeline.
Beyond the Silver Screen: Gaming and Comic Book Timelines
The Alien universe extends far beyond the movies, finding a rich life in video games and comic books. These mediums offer unique perspectives and timelines, sometimes expanding on the films, sometimes charting their own course. It’s a wild ride for fans who want to explore every nook and cranny of the Xenomorph mythos.
Alien: Isolation: A Survival Horror Year Set
Alien: Isolation stands out as a masterclass in survival horror, placing players in the role of Amanda Ripley, Ellen Ripley’s daughter, fifteen years after the events of the first film. The game’s setting on the Sevastopol station creates a palpable sense of dread, as players must evade a single, relentless Xenomorph. The game’s timeline fits neatly between Alien and Aliens, offering a compelling side story that enriches the overall narrative. It’s a tense, atmospheric experience that captures the spirit of the original film perfectly. The game mechanics really make you feel helpless, which is great for a horror game.
Aliens: Defiance: Bridging Cinematic Gaps
The Aliens: Defiance comic series serves as a bridge between the second and third films, exploring the aftermath of Hadley’s Hope and the ongoing struggle against Weyland-Yutani. It follows Colonial Marine Private First Class Zula Hendricks as she fights to protect humanity from the Xenomorph threat. The comic adds depth to the universe by showing the continued impact of the Xenomorphs on human society and the lengths to which Weyland-Yutani will go to exploit them. It’s a solid addition to the expanded universe, offering new characters and storylines that complement the films. It’s cool to see how the universe keeps expanding.
The Roleplaying Game: Interactive Storytelling
The Alien Roleplaying Game allows players to create their own stories within the Alien universe. It provides a framework for interactive storytelling, where players can take on the roles of Colonial Marines, scientists, or corporate employees, facing the horrors of the Xenomorphs firsthand. The game’s setting is flexible, allowing for adventures set in various time periods and locations within the franchise. It’s a great way for fans to immerse themselves in the world and create their own unique experiences. The game mechanics are pretty simple, so it’s easy to pick up and play. You can find the chronological order of films to help you set the scene for your game.
Crossover Events: Alien vs. Predator’s Place in the Timeline
The Alien and Predator franchises collided in a big way with the Alien vs. Predator series. It all started in comics, but then we got movies. But where do these crossovers actually fit? It’s a bit of a mess, honestly.
AvP Film Franchise: Adapting Popular Comics
The AvP film franchise took inspiration from the popular comic books, bringing the Xenomorphs and Yautja into direct conflict on the big screen. The first movie, AvP, tried to bridge the gap between the two universes, but it didn’t quite stick the landing for everyone. The films offered a different take on the origins of the Xenomorphs, suggesting a long history of conflict between the two species on Earth. It’s a fun concept, but it messes with the established lore of both franchises.
Contradictory Origins: The AvP Anomaly
One of the biggest issues with AvP is how it clashes with the established origins of the Xenomorphs, especially after Prometheus came along. AvP suggests the Predators seeded Earth with Xenomorphs for hunting rituals, while Prometheus presents a completely different creation story involving the Engineers and a mysterious black goo. These conflicting narratives create a major continuity headache for fans trying to piece together a cohesive timeline. It’s like trying to fit square pegs into round holes – something’s gotta give.
Barroom Canon: Embracing Narrative Flexibility
So, what’s a fan to do? Some embrace the idea of "barroom canon," where certain stories are treated as tall tales or legends within the universe. Maybe the events in AvP happened, maybe they didn’t happen exactly as shown. It’s all up for interpretation. This approach allows fans to enjoy the AvP movies and comics without getting too hung up on continuity errors. It’s about embracing the fun of the crossover, even if it doesn’t perfectly align with the rest of the franchise. It’s like saying, "Hey, it’s a cool story, let’s just roll with it!"
The Future of the Franchise: Disney’s Influence on the Aliens Year Set
Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox sent ripples through the entertainment world, and the Alien franchise was no exception. What does this mean for the future of xenomorphs and space marines? It’s a question on every fan’s mind. The possibilities are vast, ranging from a complete reboot to a continuation of existing storylines. Let’s explore the potential paths.
New Corporate Ownership: A Shifting Landscape
With Disney now at the helm, the Alien franchise faces a new era. The company’s approach to established properties is well-documented, often involving a blend of honoring the source material and introducing new elements to appeal to a broader audience. The key question is whether Disney will attempt to soften the franchise’s hard edges or maintain its R-rated horror roots. The success of Marvel and Star Wars under Disney suggests a focus on expanding the universe through multiple platforms, but Alien‘s darker tone presents a unique challenge.
Exploiting All Aspects: Potential for Expansion
Disney has a knack for maximizing the potential of its intellectual property. This could mean a surge in Alien-related content, including:
- New films exploring different corners of the universe.
- TV series delving into the backstories of key characters or events.
- Animated projects aimed at younger audiences (perhaps a controversial move).
- A greater emphasis on merchandise, from action figures to theme park attractions.
This expansion could also involve integrating the Alien universe with other Disney-owned properties, though a crossover with Star Wars or Marvel seems unlikely given the tonal differences. A more plausible scenario might involve exploring the Weyland-Yutani Corporation’s connections to other fictional corporations within Disney’s vast library. It’s also possible we’ll see more space exploration toys released to coincide with new movies.
Uncertain New Phase: What Lies Ahead
The future of the Alien franchise under Disney remains uncertain. While the company has a proven track record of revitalizing established properties, Alien‘s unique blend of horror and sci-fi presents a challenge. Will Disney embrace the franchise’s dark side, or will it attempt to steer it in a more family-friendly direction? Only time will tell. One thing is certain: the xenomorphs are here to stay, and their journey is far from over.
The Complexity of Continuity: Navigating the Aliens Year Set
The Alien franchise, while beloved, presents a real challenge when it comes to keeping the timeline straight. With movies, games, comics, and more, things can get messy fast. It’s not like Star Wars where there’s been a long-standing effort to maintain a single, official continuity. Let’s break down why it’s so complicated.
Multiple Authors: The Challenge of Cohesion
One of the biggest hurdles is the sheer number of people involved in creating Alien content. You’ve got different writers, directors, and game developers, all bringing their own ideas to the table. This makes it tough to keep everything consistent. It’s like a giant game of telephone – details change and sometimes contradict each other. The franchise, produced by 20th Century Studios, started with the 1979 film "Alien" directed by Ridley Scott, followed by three sequels, including "Aliens" (1986).
Continuity Consultants: Striving for Consistency
To try and wrangle things, Fox (before Disney took over) hired Andrew E. Gaska as a consultant. His job was to create canon bibles for Alien, Predator, and Planet of the Apes. He even came up with the idea of "barroom canon," where stories that might not perfectly fit are still considered part of the overall lore. It’s a flexible approach, acknowledging that not everything can be perfectly aligned. He also introduced a Tier system:
- Tier I: Core texts (the main movies)
- Tier II: Canon until a curveball is thrown
- Tier III: Mostly fits, but with some minor issues
Transmedial Storylines: Piecing Together the Puzzle
The Alien universe isn’t just movies anymore. It’s spread across different media, each adding its own piece to the puzzle. Take Aliens: Defiance, a comic series set between Alien and Aliens. It features elements from the Alien: Isolation game, like the Seegson Security Access Tuner. These connections are cool, but they also mean you need to consume a lot of content to really get the full picture. The more Alien media you consume, the more enjoyable one’s experience of the franchise becomes. It’s a bit exclusionary, but that’s the nature of transmedia storytelling.
Conclusion
So, we’ve gone through all the key years in the Alien universe. It’s pretty wild how much stuff there is, right? From the very first movie to all the comics, games, and even those little extra bits that fill in the gaps. It really shows how much this story has grown and changed over time. Sometimes it’s a bit messy, with different stories not quite lining up, but that’s kind of part of the fun. It’s like a big puzzle, and everyone gets to put their own pieces in. Even with new owners and new ideas coming in, the core of what makes Alien so cool is still there. It’s a universe that just keeps on going, and honestly, who knows what’s next? But one thing’s for sure: people will keep coming back to these creatures and their world for a long, long time.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the very first ‘Alien’ movie happen?
The first ‘Alien’ movie, featuring the crew of the Nostromo, takes place in the year 2122. This is where the whole scary story begins!
Are all the ‘Alien’ stories, like the movies, games, and comics, on the same timeline?
The ‘Alien’ movies, ‘Alien vs. Predator’ movies, and the games and comics all have their own timelines. Sometimes they match up, and sometimes they don’t. It’s like different versions of the same story.
Do the movies ‘Prometheus’ and ‘Alien: Covenant’ happen before the first ‘Alien’ film?
Yes, ‘Prometheus’ and ‘Alien: Covenant’ are set before the original ‘Alien’ movie. They tell us about how the Xenomorphs (the aliens) and other mysterious things in the universe came to be.
Where do the ‘Alien vs. Predator’ movies fit into the timeline?
The ‘Alien vs. Predator’ movies show the Xenomorphs and Predators fighting on Earth in ancient times and in the present. These movies have a different idea about where the Xenomorphs came from compared to the ‘Alien’ main movies.
Why is the ‘Alien’ timeline so confusing sometimes?
Because many different people have worked on the ‘Alien’ stories over the years, and the company that owns the rights has changed (from Fox to Disney), it’s hard to keep everything perfectly in line. Think of it like a big puzzle where some pieces don’t quite fit.
What’s next for the ‘Alien’ timeline now that Disney owns it?
Disney now owns the ‘Alien’ franchise, and they might make new movies, shows, and games. This could mean new stories and new ideas about the timeline, making the universe even bigger.