Modesto’s Timothy Olyphant signs on for major role in ‘Aliens’ series on FX

Modesto’s Timothy Olyphant reportedly is slated for a major role in an “Aliens” series, continuing his affiliation with the FX Networks.

According to a story on Deadline, Olyphant is reuniting with Noah Hawley for the show. He had a recurring role on Season 4 of Hawley’s FX series “Fargo.”

The Beyer High graduate is expected to star opposite Sydney Chandler in this prequel to the “Alien” franchise, according to Deadline.

“Details about Olyphant’s character are not being disclosed. I hear he plays Kirsh, a synth who acts as a mentor and trainer for Chandler’s Wendy, who is a hybrid, a meta-human who has the brain and consciousness of a child but the body of an adult,” the Deadline story said.

The show is being executive produced by Ridley Scott, who directed the original “Alien” and its prequels “Prometheus” and “Alien: Covenant.”

According to a story on Collider, “FX is keeping plot details for the series under wraps, but it will take place 70 years in the future, before the events of ‘Alien’ and its sequels and prequels; it will also be set on Earth, a first for the franchise.”

Scripts were completed before the writers strike in May and production began in Thailand in July, four days after the start of the actors strike, without SAG-AFTRA members, Deadline reported. “Filming continued for more than a month with cast who were affiliated with the Equity British trade union.”

Production is expected to resume in early 2024.

Olyphant has a history with FX, most recently reprising his role as Raylan Givens in “Justified: City Primeval,” a follow to his hit series “Justified,” which garnered him an Emmy Award nomination.

Along with his role on “Fargo,” he was a regular on Season 2 of FX’s “Damages,” the Deadline story said.

Internet rumors remain that he may return as Givens in another round of “Justified,” given the surprise ending to “Primeval” when original series character Boyd Crowder escapes from prison.

It’s been reported online that Olyphant and others affiliated with the show are open to returning to “Justified,” while they await a decision from FX on its future.