Interview by Madeleine Ringer
British-Iranian actor, Moe Bar-El, might be known for his theatre work (which earned him a nomination at the 2019 Laurence Olivier Awards) and his role in The Bureau, but this summer, Moe will be on our screens in a whole new light, as part of Alien: Earth.
The new series is run by director and writer Noah Hawley, who’ll be working alongside co-executive producer and previous original Alien director, Ridley Scott. While much is being kept hush hush, we do know it’s set two years prior to the 1979 Alien, allowing viewers a whole new perspective into the universe as the original film’s prequel.
I’m a huge fan of Ridley Scott and the Alien franchise, have you seen all the originals? How does it feel to carry Alien’s torch into a new era?
I actually didn’t grow up watching the Alien films, but I do remember seeing glimpses of them; certain scenes really stuck with me, even as a kid. There’s something about the atmosphere and thebcreature design that just burns into your memory. Funnily enough, I didn’t watch the original Alien in full until after I was cast in the show. I wanted to approach it with fresh eyes, and when I finally watched it properly, I completely understood why it’s such a landmark in cinema.
To be stepping into that universe now… it’s surreal. It’s a huge responsibility, and I don’t take it
lightly. The legacy is massive, and there’s this incredible balance of honouring what came before,
while also finding something fresh to bring to it. I’m just incredibly grateful to be part of this next
chapter. We’re not trying to replace the originals…we’re adding to the mythology, and I think fans
are going to be excited by where it’s heading.
The franchise has a famously high mortality rate for its characters - no one is safe. Since this is a series, do you know from the get-go who will come out alive, or are you finding out as you go episode by episode?
I mean, it’s Alien, as you said, no one’s ever truly safe. As for who makes it through and who
doesn’t… you’ll just have to watch and see. I’d love to spoil it, but I’d probably get a Xenomorph
tail to the chest for doing that. Let’s just say it’s true to the franchise. The tension is real, and really, no one is ever off the hook. So, buckle up and keep your fingers crossed for your favourite characters.
If you could pick any other franchise to join, which would it be?
This is such a tough question, because there are just so many incredible franchises out there.
right now, I feel like I’m fully in my action hero era. Gladiator is one of my all-time favorite films, so stepping into that ancient world would be a dream. I’d also jump at the chance to be part of something like Vikings or the Game of Thrones universe. That kind of raw, intense storytelling,
those larger than life characters, I love all of it.
If I’m dreaming big, being Persian, I’d love to manifest the idea of a biopic about Cyrus the
Great. He’s one of the most influential figures in history, and his legacy has genuinely shaped so
much of how we live today. If that project ever came to life, it would be a huge honour to step into
his shoes and tell that story on screen.
