XENO is an upcoming sci-fi adventure movie set to hit theaters on September 19, 2025, across the U.S. and Canada. Starring Lulu Wilson as Renee Rowan, the film follows a courageous teenager who forms a strong bond with a mysterious alien after it crash-lands near her hometown. As threats close in, she must protect the creature and uncover the truth behind its arrival.
Produced by Hartbeat Productions and featuring practical effects by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, XENO blends heart, suspense, and extraterrestrial wonder. If you’ve been following NetFilming, you’ll know we love exploring where these stories come to life—so here’s a full look at where XENO was filmed.
Where Was XENO Filmed?
The movie XENO was filmed entirely in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. This vibrant city in the southwestern United States offered the ideal backdrop for the film’s story, which centers on an alien crashing in a remote desert. Albuquerque’s unique blend of rugged desert terrain, suburban neighborhoods, and vast open skies made it a natural choice for capturing the movie’s mix of adventure, emotion, and mystery.
Albuquerque, New Mexico: The Desert Heart of XENO
Albuquerque’s desert landscapes were a key reason it was chosen for XENO. The city’s surroundings, with their sandy expanses, rocky outcrops, and wide horizons, perfectly matched the story’s setting—a lonely desert where Renee discovers the alien. These natural features gave the film an otherworldly feel, enhancing the sci-fi vibe without needing heavy special effects. The area’s isolation also helped portray the sense of danger as Renee protects her alien friend from government agents.
New Mexico is a filmmaker’s dream, offering not just stunning scenery but also practical benefits like tax incentives. These perks make it easier for productions like XENO to film high-quality scenes on a budget. The state’s clear skies and diverse landscapes have made it a go-to spot for countless projects, and XENO took full advantage of this.
Trivia: Albuquerque is no stranger to blockbuster projects. It’s famous for being the main filming location for Breaking Bad, which used the city’s neighborhoods and deserts to create its gritty atmosphere. Other major productions, like The Avengers (2012) and Stranger Things Season 4, also filmed here, taking advantage of the same versatile landscapes that brought XENO’s alien world to life.
More About the Film
Directed and written by Matthew Loren Oates, XENO is his feature film debut. The movie doesn’t rely heavily on CGI; instead, it uses practical creature effects, making the alien feel real on-screen. This creative choice brings a nostalgic touch, similar to E.T. or Super 8, and adds emotional depth to the story.
The cast also includes Omari Hardwick, Wrenn Schmidt, Paul Schneider, and Trae Romano—each bringing something unique to the film’s mix of suspense, adventure, and human connection.
Production Timeline
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Pre-Production Begins | Early 2023 |
| Principal Photography | May 8, 2023 |
| Filming Location | Albuquerque, New Mexico |
| Creature Effects Work | Mid-2023 – by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop |
| Post-Production | Late 2023 – Mid 2025 |
| U.S. & Canada Release | September 19, 2025 |
XENO Behind The Scenes
Bringing XENO to life was no small task. The filmmakers wanted to create a heartfelt sci-fi story grounded in reality, and that meant focusing on practical effects and strong performances. One of the biggest creative choices was to collaborate with Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, known for their iconic work on movies like The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth. This partnership allowed the alien character in XENO to feel real and expressive without relying heavily on CGI.
Director Matthew Loren Oates shared his vision for the film, saying, “I didn’t want the alien to feel like a digital effect. I wanted it to feel alive—something the audience could emotionally connect with.”
Actor Lulu Wilson, who plays Renee, revealed how working with the practical alien puppet enhanced her performance: “It felt like I was interacting with a real creature, not just pretending. That made the scenes more natural and emotional.”
Filming in New Mexico’s desert landscapes also helped set the tone. The heat, dust, and isolation added authenticity to the scenes. Oates mentioned, “The environment was a character itself. You feel the grit, the danger, and the wonder of it all. That’s what we were going for.”
XENO Official Trailer
Whether you’re into classic alien tales or love well-crafted science fiction, this movie is definitely one to watch. And here at NetFilming, we’ll keep sharing more behind-the-scenes details on where your favorite films are shot.
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