The new movie Xeno tells the story of a teenage girl who becomes friends with an alien. It was filmed entirely in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The desert landscapes of Albuquerque helped create the remote and mysterious setting for the film. This science fiction adventure, which hit theaters on September 19, 2025, uses its location to enhance its story of friendship and survival.
The Filming Locations of Xeno
Xeno was filmed completely in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Shooting started on May 8, 2023. The area’s large desert and open skies were perfect for the movie’s setting. Albuquerque is known for its mix of modern infrastructure and natural scenery, making it a popular choice for filmmakers. The desert was crucial because the story begins with an alien crash-landing in a remote area. The production also benefited from New Mexico’s growing film industry, which offers sound stages and crew services nearby.
What Is Xeno About?
Xeno follows a brave teenager named Renee, played by Lulu Wilson. She discovers an alien that has crash-landed near her home in the desert. Instead of being scared, she forms a close bond with the creature. However, government agents soon arrive, wanting to capture the alien. Renee must protect her new friend while uncovering secrets that could change both their worlds. The story is similar to classics like E.T. and The Iron Giant, focusing on themes of friendship and protection.
The Main Cast and Characters
The movie features a mix of experienced and young actors. Lulu Wilson plays the lead role of Renee, the teenager who befriends the alien. Omari Hardwick portrays Jonathan Keyes, a government agent involved in the situation. Paul Schneider plays Chase, another key character. Wrenn Schmidt is Linda, and Trae Romano appears as Gil. The cast helps balance the emotional and science fiction elements of the story.
How the Alien Was Created
The alien in Xeno was designed and built by The Henson Company, known for its creature effects in many famous films. They used puppets and special effects to bring the character to life. This practical approach helped the actors interact with the alien more realistically, adding depth to the story.
Production and Release Details
Matthew Loren Oates directed, wrote, produced, and edited the film. Kevin Hart co-produced it through his company, HartBeat Productions. The film was announced in April 2023, and casting was confirmed shortly after. Blue Fox Entertainment acquired the distribution rights and released the movie in the U.S. and Canada on September 19, 2025. The runtime is 1 hour and 43 minutes.
Why Albuquerque Was the Perfect Choice
Albuquerque’s desert provided the right look for the movie’s remote and wild setting. The city has been a filming location for other well-known projects like Breaking Bad and Stranger Things. New Mexico also offers tax benefits to filmmakers, making it a cost-effective choice for productions.
The Music of Xeno
The score for Xeno was composed by Ryan Taubert. His music helps set the tone for the film, emphasizing both the exciting and emotional moments.
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Credits: imdb.com, wikipedia.org
