If you're looking for a sci-fi adventure that takes you back to the practical magic of the '80s and '90s, XENO is the perfect "Amblin-esque" must-watch for you. During an exclusive post-screening Q&A with Collider's Steve Weintraub, the cast and crew took us behind the scenes, where they brought to life an adorable, misunderstood creature with the help of The Henson Company and an arsenal of nostalgic film influences.
From Kevin Hart's Hartbeat Productions and writer-director Matthew Loren Oates, XENO tells the thrilling and heartwarming story of how Renee, played by Lulu Wilson, befriends a frightening extraterrestrial she finds stranded in the desert. Rather than report her discovery, Renee recognizes a kindred, outcast spirit in the creature she affectionately dubs Croak (played by Garrett van der Leun). Now, with the help of her friend Gil (Trae Romano), Renee will stop at nothing to protect Croak from the authorities on their trail. XENO also stars Wrenn Schmidt, Paul Schneider, Omari Hardwick, Josh Cooke, and Cassandra Killian.
During the interview, which you can check out in the video above or transcript below, the cast, director, and producers discuss the joys of working with practical creature effects, what about the film drew them to the project, and how this out-of-this-world idea was inspired by a little boy's drawings. They share the unforgettable classic movies that inspired XENO's tale, share hilarious stories from set, and reveal which scenes they were most nervous to film.
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