Elle Fanning Channels Iconic Alien Androids for Dual Synth Roles in Badlands

In a recent interview, Elle Fanning discussed her work on the highly anticipated Predator installment, Badlands. The Super 8 star is set to play both Thia and Tessa, two distinct Weyland-Yutani android models, in the film. Fanning admitted that the dual role was a daunting challenge, but she found inspiration in a recent performance within the shared Alien universe.

David Jonsson's portrayal of the android Andy in Romulus has earned widespread acclaim. Fanning was particularly impressed by Jonsson's ability to depict the character's transformation from a stuttering, protective "big brother" to a much darker and more calculating synthetic being. This real-time evolution, Fanning explained, was formative in helping her get into the mindset of playing artificial intelligence.

The Alien franchise has a long legacy of iconic android performances, from Ash in Alien to Bishop in Aliens and the enigmatic David in Prometheus and Alien: Covenant. Fanning acknowledged the weight of following in the footsteps of these unforgettable characters, but she seems more than up to the task.

With Prey director Dan Trachtenberg at the helm and Badlands promising gritty action and lore, anticipation is already high. And with Elle Fanning's dual synth roles drawing inspiration from Alien: Romulus, the film is poised to be another top-tier entry in the ever-expanding Alienverse.