top of page

👽XENO (2025) – A Sci-Fi Adventure of Humanity, Heart & Alien Encounters | Cast, Plot & Release Date – In Theaters September 19

  • Writer: Boxofficehype
    Boxofficehype
  • Jul 12
  • 3 min read
XENO (2025) – A Sci-Fi Adventure of Humanity, Heart & Alien Encounters | Cast, Plot & Release Date – In Theaters September 19

👽 “XENO” – A Sci-Fi Adventure with Heart, Humanity, and an Alien Crash Landing | In Theaters September 19, 2025


Get ready for a heartwarming twist on extraterrestrial encounters — XENO is landing this fall.

Directed, written, and edited by visionary filmmaker Matthew Loren Oates, XENO is an upcoming science fiction adventure film that fuses the emotional resonance of E.T. with the grit of modern storytelling. Premiering in theaters across the U.S. and Canada on September 19, 2025, this otherworldly journey is backed by Kevin Hart’s Hartbeat Productions and distributed by Blue Fox Entertainment.


🌵 Plot: A Friendship That’s Out of This World


At the heart of XENO is Renee, a lonely yet resilient teenager living in the wide, sun-scorched expanse of the American Southwest. Her life changes forever when she discovers something extraordinary — an alien crash-lands near her home in the desert.


As the government closes in and tensions rise, Renee forms a deep, life-changing bond with the mysterious visitor. Together, they must navigate fear, secrecy, and the fragile beauty of trust between species. It’s a story of connection, coming-of-age, and courage, set against the backdrop of cosmic discovery.


🌟 Cast


  • Lulu Wilson (The Haunting of Hill House) as Renee – A brave teenage girl who becomes the alien’s only hope on Earth.

  • Omari Hardwick (Power, Army of the Dead) as Jonathan Keyes – A mysterious government agent with a past tied to extraterrestrial investigations.

  • Wrenn Schmidt (For All Mankind) – In an undisclosed role, likely connected to Renee’s family or the alien research team.

  • Trae Romano (Stargirl) – Supporting cast member with connections to Renee’s past.

  • Paul Schneider (Parks and Recreation, Bright Star) as Chase, a small-town figure whose loyalties are tested when the alien presence is revealed.


🎬 Behind the Scenes


  • Director/Writer/Editor: Matthew Loren Oates brings a singular vision to the film, writing and editing it himself to deliver a tightly woven, emotionally charged sci-fi story.

  • Produced by: Comedy kingpin Kevin Hart, along with Jesse Jensen, Luke Kelly-Clyne, Shana Marie, Bryan Smiley, and Oates himself.

  • Cinematography: Paul Marschall captures the sweeping landscapes of New Mexico’s desert terrain, blending visual wonder with human intimacy.

  • Creature Design: The film’s alien is brought to life by none other than The Jim Henson Company, ensuring a practical, expressive, and unforgettable extraterrestrial.

  • Score: Ryan Taubert (announced June 2025) composes the film’s original soundtrack, promising an evocative mix of ambient soundscapes and emotional orchestration.


🎥 Filming & Release


Production began on May 8, 2023, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, making use of its vast desert backdrops to echo the film’s themes of isolation and discovery. In February 2025, Blue Fox Entertainment secured distribution rights, aiming for a wide theatrical rollout.


XENO is set to hit theaters on September 19, 2025, with a 103-minute runtime packed with adventure, heart, and edge-of-your-seat suspense.


💫 Why XENO Could Be the Next Sci-Fi Gem


  • A return to emotional sci-fi: With nods to Close Encounters and Super 8, XENO isn’t just about aliens — it’s about people.

  • A standout lead performance: Lulu Wilson continues her ascent with a role that mixes strength, vulnerability, and wonder.

  • Kevin Hart’s producing muscle: Hartbeat Productions is branching into genre films, and XENO could be its breakout hit.

  • Practical creature effects: With the Henson Company on board, expect a creature that feels real — no uncanny CGI distractions here.


👁️‍🗨️ Final Thoughts


In a world of reboots and remakes, XENO promises something rare: a fresh original story, steeped in emotion, crafted with heart, and aimed straight for the stars. Whether you're a sci-fi fan or just love a good story about unlikely friendships, this one's for you.


Don't miss the landing — XENO premieres September 19, only in theaters.



Subscribe to our newsletter

Comments


bottom of page