He wrote ALIEN. He directed RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD. He helped shape sci-fi horror, worked with some of the biggest names in genre cinema, and contributed to franchises that went on to make billions.

So why don’t more people know the name Dan O’Bannon?

In this limited series, we explore the life and career of one of Hollywood’s most underappreciated creative minds. From his student film collaboration with John Carpenter (DARK STAR) to the controversy surrounding ALIEN, from uncredited contributions to STAR WARS and Jodorowsky’s DUNE to the studio compromises of BLUE THUNDER, we trace a career full of groundbreaking ideas and behind-the-scenes frustrations.

Along the way, we unpack cult favorites like DEAD & BURIED and HEAVY METAL, and celebrate the moment O’Bannon finally got full creative control with RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD—a film that would become one of the most beloved zombie movies of all time.

This is the story of the man who helped redefine genre filmmaking… and rarely got the credit.