Prepare for an extraordinary journey into the heart of space sci-fi storytelling as "Xeno" crash-lands into theatres this September, promising a thrilling blend of heartfelt emotion and creature-feature excitement.

In an era where space sci-fi films often prioritize spectacle over substance, "Xeno (2025)" emerges as a refreshingly grounded yet fantastical adventure that harks back to the golden age of alien encounter stories. Directed by Matthew Loren Oates in his feature debut and produced by Kevin Hart's Hartbeat Productions, this upcoming film promises to deliver the perfect fusion of classic Spielbergian wonder with contemporary sci-fi sensibilities).

Premise: When Two Worlds Collide in the Desert

Set against the stark, otherworldly landscape of the New Mexico desert, "Xeno" follows the extraordinary story of Renee Rowan (Lulu Wilson), a fearless teenager whose life takes a dramatic turn when she discovers a mysterious alien creature following a spectacular crash landing. Unlike the benevolent extra-terrestrials of classic space sci-fi cinema, Xeno represents something far more complex—a powerful, unpredictable being with a taste for livestock and a design that evokes both fear and sympathy.

XENO - Official Trailer. By Blue Fox Entertainment. From @bluefoxentertainment9742

The film's central premise explores the timeless space sci-fi theme of first contact, but with a distinctly modern twist. As government agents led by the relentless Jonathan Keyes (Omari Hardwick) close in on their quarry, Renee must navigate the dangerous territory between protecting her alien friend and surviving the escalating manhunt. This setup creates a perfect pressure cooker for both intimate character development and high-stakes adventure.

Director and Creative Vision

Matthew Loren Oates brings a unique multifaceted background to his directorial debut, having worked as a writer, producer, editor, and visual effects artist throughout his career. This diverse skill set positions him perfectly to helm a space sci-fi project that demands both technical precision and emotional authenticity. Oates not only wrote and directed "Xeno" but also served as editor, ensuring a cohesive vision throughout the production process.

The film began principal photography in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on May 8, 2023, taking advantage of the region's stunning desert landscapes that serve as both an alien terrain and a metaphor for isolation. The choice of location reflects the film's commitment to grounding its space sci-fi elements in recognizable yet extraordinary settings.

Stellar Cast Bringing Depth to Space Sci-Fi

The ensemble cast of "Xeno" brings together experienced performers known for their work in genre storytelling:

Lulu Wilson leads the cast as Renee Rowan, the brave teenager at the story's heart. Wilson, recognized for her powerful performances in "Annabelle: Creation," "The Haunting of Hill House," and "Becky," brings both vulnerability and strength to her portrayal of a young woman thrust into extraordinary circumstances.

Lulu Wilson appearing in The Wrath of Becky. Image credit: TMDB

Omari Hardwick who we recently saw in Paramount's Star Trek Section 31 movie, commands the screen as Jonathan Keyes, the determined government agent pursuing Xeno. Best known for his starring role in "Power" and his appearance in "Army of the Dead," Hardwick brings intensity and complexity to what could have been a simple antagonist role).

Omari Hardwick. Image credit: Wikimedia Commons

The supporting cast includes Wrenn Schmidt ("For All Mankind," "Boardwalk Empire") as Linda Rowan, Renee's mother, adding emotional depth to the family dynamics; Paul Schneider ("Parks and Recreation," "Lars and the Real Girl") as Chase; and Trae Romano ("Stargirl") as Gil, Renee's friend who provides both comic relief and loyal support.

Lulu Wilson and Trae Romano in a scene from Xeno. Image credit: TMDB

The Creature: Where Practical Effects Meet Modern Innovation

Perhaps the most anticipated aspect of "Xeno" lies in its titular alien, brought to life by the legendary Jim Henson's Creature Shop. Known for their outstanding work on "The Dark Crystal," "Labyrinth," and "Farscape," the Creature Shop's involvement promises practical effects that blend nostalgic craftsmanship with cutting-edge innovation.

Renee (lulu Wilson) and the alien creature in a scene from Xeno. Image credit: TMDB

The alien design deliberately subverts expectations, described as a

"snarling quadrupedal alien beast with a taste for livestock"

—a far cry from the cuddly creatures of traditional family-friendly space sci-fi. This approach allows the film to explore themes of fear, acceptance, and understanding while maintaining genuine tension and suspense.

Production Excellence and Technical Craft

The film's technical team brings impressive credentials to the project. Ryan Taubert composes the score, promising music that will enhance both the emotional resonance and suspenseful moments that define great space sci-fi storytelling. Cinematographer Paul Marschall captures the vast desert landscapes and intimate character moments with equal skill.

Kevin Hart's Hartbeat Productions serves as the driving force behind the project, with Hart stepping behind the camera as producer alongside Bryan Smiley, Luke Kelly-Clyne, Shana Marie, and Jesse Jensen). Hart's involvement signals a commitment to diverse, high-quality narratives that transcend genre boundaries.

Luke Kelly-Clyne, Head of Studio at Hartbeat, stated:

"Our team at Hartbeat is constantly focused on delivering exceptional, multi-dimensional productions to audiences everywhere, and Xeno is a perfect example of this"

Release and Industry Anticipation

Blue Fox Entertainment will distribute "Xeno" theatrically across the United States and Canada on September 19, 2025. The film acquired distribution rights in February 2025, positioning it as a major fall release for the company.

Early industry reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with critics praising the film's emotional core and innovative approach to familiar space sci-fi themes. The official trailer, released in June 2025, has generated significant buzz among genre enthusiasts, with many drawing favourable comparisons to classics like "E.T." and "Super 8".

Trivia and Behind-the-Scenes Insights

• The alien creature design required extensive collaboration between director Matthew Loren Oates and Jim Henson's Creature Shop to achieve the perfect balance of menace and sympathy.

• Principal photography in New Mexico took advantage of locations that naturally evoke alien landscapes.

• The film's tagline "One bond. Two worlds" encapsulates its central theme of connection across species.

• Kevin Hart's involvement as producer represents a notable expansion of his creative portfolio beyond comedy.

The Future of Space Sci-Fi Storytelling

"Xeno (2025)" represents more than just another space sci-fi adventure—it embodies the evolution of the genre, combining practical effects mastery with contemporary storytelling sensibilities. By grounding its extraordinary premise in genuine human emotion and featuring a creature that challenges audience expectations, the film promises to contribute meaningfully to the rich tradition of alien encounter stories.

As we approach its September release, "Xeno" stands poised to remind audiences why space sci-fi remains one of cinema's most powerful genres for exploring themes of connection, understanding, and the courage required to protect what we love, even when it comes from another world.