Sat Jul 26 05:00:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a rewritten news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

Sydney Chandler, the lead actress in FX’s upcoming series “Alien: Earth,” caused a stir by canceling a Variety cover shoot at the last minute. Her representatives initially cited discomfort with a planned video interview game alongside her co-star Timothy Olyphant and showrunner Noah Hawley, raising concerns about playing a game with “two older men”. After a back and forth about acceptable questions, she declined entirely and eventually claimed illness. This caused frustration for Hawley, who feels her absence detracts from the show’s female-centric theme and creates an awkward dynamic. Chandler later explained her decision as a need to set personal boundaries and prioritize her comfort level with press, while still wanting to support the show. The article highlights the challenges of managing talent during promotional campaigns, and also delves into the making of “Alien: Earth,” its connection to the broader “Alien” franchise, and the high stakes involved for FX.

**News Article:**

**’Alien: Earth’ Star Sydney Chandler Skips Variety Cover Shoot, Citing Discomfort with Press**

**LOS ANGELES, CA** – The upcoming FX series “Alien: Earth” is already generating buzz, but not all of it is the kind the network might have hoped for. Sydney Chandler, the show’s lead actress, abruptly pulled out of a planned Variety cover shoot at the last minute, throwing a wrench into promotional plans.

According to sources, the cancellation stemmed from Chandler’s discomfort with a planned video interview segment. Initial concerns centered around a “How Well Do They Know Each Other?” game alongside her co-star Timothy Olyphant and showrunner Noah Hawley. While Variety attempted to address these issues, Chandler eventually cited a general unease with press obligations and a sudden illness as reasons for her absence.

Hawley, the veteran TV creator, expressed disappointment. “I’m disappointed that my female-centric show, based on a female-facing franchise, does not have my lead actress on the cover,” he said, noting the awkwardness of proceeding with the shoot without her.

Chandler, in a subsequent interview, explained, “I’m just a private person… I’m new to press – it’s a bit out of my comfort zone.” She emphasized her willingness to discuss the show itself but said she needed to draw a firm boundary.

The series, a highly anticipated addition to the “Alien” franchise, is set to premiere on August 12. It features Chandler as Wendy, a human-machine hybrid grappling with her identity amidst corporate control and the terrifying threat of Xenomorphs on Earth. FX is hoping “Alien: Earth” will reach the heights of its previous series such as “Shogun” and “The Bear.”

Industry observers note that the incident underscores the challenges of managing talent expectations during major media campaigns, especially with emerging stars like Chandler, who is the daughter of actor Kyle Chandler.

Despite the controversy, “Alien: Earth” remains poised to be a major event, and Chandler herself has expressed enthusiasm for the show and her role. “I learned a lot from this character, and she taught me to listen to my gut, to stand up for what I believe is right, and honor what you know your body is telling you,” Chandler said in a later interview.

The series explores themes of corporate greed, the future of humanity, and the enduring terror of the Xenomorph.

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