Next From Noah Hawley: Far Cry FX Series Starts Production Right After Alien: Earth Wraps

Apparently, Noah Hawley has discovered the secret to creating more hours in a day, because the guy is running at least two major TV projects at the same time — and they're not exactly small potatoes. If you’ve been keeping tabs, Hawley is behind FX's 'Alien: Earth' season 2, and he’s also showrunning the network’s upcoming 'Far Cry' adaptation. As if juggling that and sleep isn’t enough, he keeps stacking more jobs on his plate.

The 'Far Cry' TV Series: Status, Crew, and Vibes

So, here's the rundown. FX gave the greenlight to a 'Far Cry' series last November, pitching it as an anthology show (think 'Fargo,' which is also Hawley’s baby, for reference). Smart move, since the 'Far Cry' games reboot practically everything — new characters, wild settings, a revolving door of lunatic villains — with every major title.

But the 'Far Cry' series isn’t just Hawley’s rodeo. Rob McElhenney (the longtime chaos agent from 'It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia') is on board too. Not only is he writing and producing, but he’s also starring in the first season. Who Rob’s playing is being kept under lock and key — no character details, not even a hint. But it makes sense: this guy almost directed the 'Minecraft' movie and already makes 'Mythic Quest,' which is like 'The Office' but with video game devs. So, weirdly perfect fit.

How Hawley's Pulling Off This Schedule

Now for some trivia to file under ‘I do not envy him’ — Hawley is handling both 'Alien: Earth' and 'Far Cry' as showrunner. He'll have co-showrunners helping (wise move), but production on 'Far Cry' is supposed to start right after they wrap 'Alien: Earth' season 2. The sets for both series are getting built at Pinewood Studios in London, and there’s a secondary mystery location that’s apparently doubling up for both shows. You have to appreciate that level of efficiency, even if it’s basically a logistical migraine.

'I've built them both out of London at Pinewood and there is a secondary location that will serve both shows. I've tried to be smart about it. We have most of Alien written and we're halfway through the other show. Once we have the scripts, it's less my job and more someone else's.'

If you’re wondering if Hawley’s nervous about being in charge of two big FX shows at once, he claims he's not worried — at least not yet. He did say, ‘There will be a moment where I am running two shows at the same time, so you make choices.’ Gotta respect the optimism, but check back in a few months.

Where Things Stand (as of Now)

• 'Far Cry' TV is officially an anthology, following the video game's always-shifting formula.
• Rob McElhenney is executive producing, writing, and starring, but they're keeping his role under wraps for now.
• Hawley will direct the first two episodes and juggle both 'Far Cry' and 'Alien: Earth' (with some help from co-showrunners).
• The main production hub for both shows is Pinewood, London, with some shared sets/locations.
• Writing is well underway: 'Alien: Earth' is almost fully written, 'Far Cry' is about halfway done.
• Shooting for 'Far Cry' is scheduled to start as soon as the 'Alien: Earth' season wraps.

No surprise: the scripts are coming in, sets are under construction, and somehow nobody has combusted from exhaustion (yet). If you’re into video game adaptations or just want to see Rob McElhenney cause more mayhem outside of Philly, this one is worth keeping on your radar. More details should drop soon — and hopefully with fewer cryptic teases.