Alien: Earth rewrites the rules of the Alien universe by introducing Cyborgs, Synths, and Hybrids. Moreover, each type offers a different path to conquer death, so what do they mean in the corporate war for immortality, with powerful companies racing to perfect these groundbreaking technologies? Read on to know more.
What is a Cyborg, Synth, and Hybrid in Alien: Earth?
These categories aren’t just tech jargon, as they define the main corporate battle for immortality in the year 2120. The series reimagines the Alien universe, expanding it beyond Xenomorph threats to a deadly war between powerful companies.
Cyborgs
Cyborgs are humans enhanced with cybernetic technology, blending flesh with mechanical upgrades to extend life and improve abilities. In Alien: Earth, Babou Ceesay plays Morrow, the first confirmed Cyborg in the franchise. His existence signals a new dimension to the series’ worldbuilding, unlike Synthetics or Hybrids. Furthermore, Cyborgs retain their human identity but gain machine precision and durability.
Synths
Synths, short for synthetics, are artificially intelligent robots designed to mimic human appearance and behavior. They have been a staple of the Alien saga since the very first film. They were included in Ash from Alien (1979) and Bishop from Aliens (1986), as well as David from Prometheus (2012). In Alien: Earth, Weyland-Yutani continues its long history of creating Synthetics, competing against other corporations for dominance.
Hybrids
Hybrids are synthetic bodies implanted with human consciousness, effectively merging a person’s mind with an artificial body. This technology hasn’t appeared in previous Alien films, making it one of the show’s most intriguing additions. Wendy is the newest Hybrid character. The concept raises deep philosophical questions about identity, humanity, and mortality. The corporation Prodigy, which was founded by the “youngest trillionaire ever,” appears to be leading the Hybrid race.
Ultimately, Alien: Earth reframes the franchise’s usual single-villain setup. Instead of Weyland-Yutani being the lone corporate predator, the series presents five mega-companies battling for control over Earth and space. Moreover, each bets on its own immortality tech—Cyborg, Synth, or Hybrid—to secure dominance.
