The promotional campaign for the upcoming series Alien: Earth encountered a significant setback this week when star Sydney Chandler was removed from the cover of Variety magazine just days before the show’s premiere. This unexpected decision has sparked discussions about celebrity involvement in media promotions and the challenges faced by newcomers in high-pressure environments.
Chandler, the daughter of acclaimed actor Kyle Chandler, was set to lead the new sci-fi series, generating considerable anticipation among fans. However, tensions reportedly arose when she declined to participate in a group video segment titled “How Well Do They Know Each Other,” which featured her co-star Timothy Olyphant and showrunner Noah Hawley. Sources indicate that Chandler expressed discomfort with the format and the presence of the two older men.
According to Variety, efforts were made to ease the situation, including providing Chandler’s team with the planned questions in advance and inviting her to suggest alternative topics. Unfortunately, these measures did not yield a resolution. After extensive correspondence between FX, Variety, and Chandler’s representatives, a decision was made by Editor-in-Chief Ramin Setoodeh to remove Chandler from the cover entirely.
Attempts were made to reschedule the cover shoot for the following day, but Chandler ultimately withdrew again, citing illness through her publicist. As a result, the final cover featured only Olyphant and Hawley, an outcome that Hawley himself found disappointing. He stated, “The show is built around Sydney’s character, and the work she did as a professional was tremendous. I’m disappointed that my female-centric show, based on a female-facing franchise, does not have my lead actress on the cover.”
Chandler later expressed her perspective to Variety, describing herself as “just a private person” and “new to press.” She acknowledged the challenges of navigating media interactions, stating, “I was more than happy to talk about anything and everything about the show; that’s what I’m here to promote.”
The online reaction to this incident has been mixed. Some commentators support Chandler’s decision to set boundaries as she adjusts to the demands of high-profile promotion. Others have criticized her last-minute withdrawal, questioning her professionalism and ability to engage with the media.
Despite the controversy surrounding the promotional activities, anticipation remains high for Alien: Earth. Fans are eager to see Chandler’s performance in this iconic franchise, as the series aims to bring a fresh perspective to the established lore.
As the premiere date approaches, the spotlight is on Chandler as she prepares to step into a role that has generated significant interest. The incident serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in balancing personal comfort with the demands of public life, particularly in the entertainment industry.
