This Mexican-American Directed Episodes of FX’s ‘Alien: Earth’ Series

By  Lissete Lanuza Sáenz

Sydney Chandler in Alien Earth

Credit: FX Networks

Alien: Earth just premiered this Wednesday (August 12) but it has already become a big hit for FX. The show is a prequel to the original Alien film, set two years before the events of that film and follows a vessel returning to Earth with five alien species aboard. But did you know that Emmy-winning Mexican American director Dana Gonzales directed multiple episodes of the show’s first season?

Among the episodes directed by Gonzales are the second episode, titled “Mr. October” and the third episode, titled “Metamorphosis.” He also directed the 7th and 8th episodes of the season, though those titles haven’t been released yet. There’s no word on a second season of the show so far, or whether Gonzales would return to direct.

Gonzales is also an Executive Producer and Director of Photography on Alien: Earth.

EXCLUSIVE - Dana Gonzales accepts the award for outstanding cinematography for a limited series or movie for "Fargo" during night one of the Television Academy's 2016 Creative Arts Emmy Awards at the Microsoft Theater on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Phil McCarten/Invision for the Television Academy/AP Images)
Photo by Phil McCarten/Invision for the Television Academy/AP Images

Gonzales is a long-time collaborator of Noah Hawley, creator of the series, and most recently produced the latest installment of Fargo (FX) and directed two episodes, including the Pilot. He also directed multiple episodes during the show’s run and two episodes of the show Legion, also for FX. His experience includes directing two episodes of Hulu’s The Handmaid’s Tale and an episode of Apple TV+’s The Changeling.

But it doesn’t stop there! The versatile Gonzales is also an Emmy-winning cinematographer for Fargo, with 7 total nominations for his work in Fargo, Hanna, and Legion. He’s attached to direct an upcoming project, which he’s also developing: a feature titled Footprint for Vertigo Entertainment. And it seems like it runs in the family because his daughter Bella Gonzales also worked on Alien: Earth as a cinematropher.

If you’re excited for Alien: Earth, or if you’re looking for a reason to watch, then this is your chance. Because Latin Americans have been long-time fans of the Alien franchise. And it’s nice to know that someone like Dana Gonzales has a hand in making this show.

Alien: Earth airs Tuesdays at 8pm ET on FX and Hulu.

alien Alien: Earth FX Networks