Curious about all the Easter eggs tucked into Alien: Earth Episode 3 and wondering how they connect back to the wider Alien universe? From callbacks to Ridley Scott’s original film to hidden nods at Predator, the episode is packed with subtle references, franchise continuity, and deep-cut lore that expand the story.
Here’s a breakdown of every Easter egg in Episode 3, and what they reveal about the future of the series.
List of key easter eggs and references in Alien: Earth Episode 3
Alien 3 Dog Reference
Alien: Earth Episode 1 introduced a Rottweiler jump scare, the same breed that a Xenomorph erupted from in Alien 3. This deliberate callback tied the show to earlier films while setting up its layering of references. Joe and Maisy’s father was also portrayed by Noah Hawley, the series’ creator, who inserted himself as a subtle Easter egg.
Ridley Scott’s Classic Intro
Episode 3 opened with a shot of the Xenomorph’s body, replicating Ridley Scott’s iconic creature introduction. Unlike the original, which lingered on the head, this sequence broadened the view to show the body in a deathlike pose as it was wheeled into Neverland.
Chestburster Parallel
When Wendy was ejected through an acid hole after the container collapsed, the imagery strongly echoed the chestburster eruptions from Alien. This visual callback reinforced how the series mirrors key franchise moments through design and staging.
Alien 3 Container Strategy
The characters’ attempt to trap the Xenomorph in a steel container referenced Alien 3. In that film, the prisoners relied on a similar plan to capture the alien within a sealed environment and eliminate it.
Ripley Tongue Hook Connection
During combat, Wendy hooked the Xenomorph’s tongue. A nearly identical moment appeared in Alien: Revelations, when Ripley pulled out a Xenomorph tongue before handing it over as a souvenir.
Ripley’s Power Loader Nod
The parking garage displayed yellow-and-black striping that directly paralleled the P-5000 power loader Ripley operated in Aliens. This detail reinforced continuity in visual design across the franchise.
Facehugger Callback
Slightly held up the husk of a facehugger across his face. The shot mirrored Kane’s original encounter in Alien, a deliberate recreation of that iconic sequence.
Practical Effects Homage
The egg dissection revealed a facehugger embryo through animatronics and practical effects. This technique mirrored the groundbreaking practical effects work that defined the earlier Alien films.
Predator Badlands Plant Link
The carnivorous plant D. Plumbicare resembled the vegetation shown in the Predator: Badlands trailer. Its enzyme-based hunting mechanism and flower-like pistol structure hinted at a possible shared origin on the Yautja homeworld, further strengthening the connection between the Alien and Predator universes.
Metallica Song Reference
The closing sequence featured Metallica’s “Wherever I May Roam.” Its themes of freedom contrasted sharply with Prodigy’s control over the Lost Boys, underscoring the limits placed on the hybrids.
