Resident Alien season 4 is set to give its leading man even more responsibility as he steps into a specific role for the first time in a long while. Alan Tudyk has led the Resident Alien cast since the sci-fi dramedy began back in 2021, and the confirmation of Resident Alien season 4 means he will continue to do so for at least one more run of episodes. So, although Tudyk will be tasked with portraying Harry Vanderseigle again, his workload is set to increase in the coming season.
After Resident Alien season 3’s ending and all the cliffhangers it came with, it remained unclear for a while whether Syfy would pick up the show for another batch of episodes. While Syfy chose not to renew Resident Alien, the show’s switch to USA Network made sure the saga would continue without the original studio’s involvement. Despite a reduced budget, Resident Alien‘s future looks bright for now, and the show’s next episode will be even more intriguing given Tudyk’s increased input.
Alan Tudyk Will Direct The Resident Alien Season 4 Premiere
Playing Harry won’t be the actor’s only responsibility
North Hollywood Buzz has reported that Alan Tudyk will be in the director’s chair for Resident Alien season 4’s opening episode. Although his talents in front of the camera can’t be denied, his credits as the leader of a production are far more sparse. Regardless, showrunner Chris Sheridan is clearly confident in his leading man’s ability to direct an episode of the show in which he also stars. It’s an interesting move, but it’ll be exciting to see what Tudyk’s vision of the show will look like, and how/if it will differ from previous episodes.
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Alan Tudyk’s 3 Resident Alien Characters Explained
Alan Tudyk is responsible for portraying more than just Resident Alien’s main character, with his casting resulting in an impressive workload.
Alan Tudyk’s involvement with Resident Alien has grown over time. Although he was credited only as an actor in the first two seasons, Sheridan is a big proponent of improv comedy, and so Tudyk has likely come up with certain moments and lines on the spot. Additionally, Resident Alien season 3 saw Tudyk take on additional responsibilities and was credited as a producer for all eight episodes. So, given his trajectory so far, it’s not really that surprising that Tudyk is directing his first episode of Resident Alien.
Alan Tudyk Directed All 13 Episodes Of Con Man Season 1
Con Man is currently Tudyk’s only other project that as given him directing credits
Tudyk splits his acting roles between live-action characters and voice performances in animated projects. In recent years, he has been far more active in the latter field, but he has physically embodied characters throughout his acting career. Between 2015 and 2017, Tudyk led a crowdfunded webseries called Con Man, which ran for two seasons. Tudyk was heavily involved with the show. As well as serving as an executive producer throughout, he also directed every episode of Con Man season 1.
Con Man
is based loosely on Tudyk’s experiences and also stars fellow
Firefly
actor Nathan Fillion.
So, Resident Alien isn’t Tudyk’s first directing gig, but he certainly hasn’t done it in a while. Con Man season 1 was released in 2015, so it’s been almost a decade since he last directed anything. Furthermore, he had never received a directing credit for anything before Con Man either. So, although he isn’t completely void of directorial experience, he may be out of practice due to the time that’s passed since Con Man season 1.
What Tudyk Returning To The Director’s Chair After So Long Means
Resident Alien season 4’s reduced budget could be a contributing factor
Alan Tudyk has been instrumental to Resident Alien‘s success so far, so his increased input has been incredibly well-earned. His time on Con Man proves he has an interest in directing, so it’s great to see that Resident Alien is giving him the chance to flex that muscle again. That being said, there could be a more financially-led reason for the decision. In short, Tudyk is probably a cheaper hire when it comes to directors, rather than those with more experience, and Resident Alien‘s reduced budget in season 4 means the show could simply be trying to save money.
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Another explanation could relate to the beginning of Resident Alien season 4. With Harry currently trapped aboard the Grey Aliens’ moon base, he’ll need to be freed before he can return to the story. Although Tudyk could simply play the Mantid in the season 4 opener, the insectoid’s disguise was discovered by Max in the Resident Alien season 3 finale, so the villain will need to transform again. Therefore, Tudyk’s acting abilities are less likely to be needed in the Resident Alien season 4 opener, so it’s the perfect time for him to direct an episode instead.
Source: North Hollywood Buzz
A television adaptation of the comic book series, Resident Alien is a sci-fi comedy that stars Alan Tudyk as an alien who crashes on Earth with one mission – destroy humanity to save the planet. When Tudyk’s character takes the identity of a doctor, he arrives at a small town and begins to act the role preparing his plan. As time passes, he develops human emotions against his will – but his plans are further complicated when he meets the son of the mayor – who can see his actual appearance.
- Cast
- Alan Tudyk , Elizabeth Bowen , Judah Prehn , Levi Fiehler , Corey Reynolds , Alice Wetterlund , Sara Tomko
- Release Date
- January 27, 2021
- Seasons
- 4
- Network
- USA Network
- Showrunner
- Chris Sheridan