The enchanting sci-fi adventure “Xeno” has captured audiences’ hearts since its September 19, 2025 release, but many fans are wondering: where exactly were those stunning desert scenes filmed? This Kevin Hart-produced gem chose one primary location that perfectly captured the otherworldly atmosphere needed for this touching story of friendship between a teenage girl and a stranded alien.
Table of Contents
Where Was Xeno Complete Filming Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Xeno (2025) was filmed entirely in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA, with production beginning on May 8, 2023. This strategic choice wasn’t just about convenience—New Mexico’s diverse landscapes provided the perfect backdrop for this E.T.-inspired adventure.
| Location Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Primary Location | Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA |
| Production Start | May 8, 2023 |
| Filming Duration | Several months |
| Key Features | Desert landscapes, modern infrastructure |
| Production Benefits | Tax incentives, experienced crew base |
Why Albuquerque Was Perfect for Xeno’s Story
Albuquerque has long been the go-to filming location for television and film productions alike, due to its blend of contemporary infrastructure and wide natural backgrounds. The city offered everything the production needed:
Desert Authenticity: The vast New Mexican desert perfectly represented the crash-landing site where teenage Renee (Lulu Wilson) first encounters her alien friend.
Production Infrastructure: With established sound stages and experienced local crews, Albuquerque provided professional filmmaking resources without the costs of major metropolitan areas.
Visual Diversity: The location offered both intimate desert settings and broader landscapes that could represent “two worlds” coming together.
The Strategic Advantage of New Mexico’s Film Industry
The shoot also stood to gain from New Mexico’s increasing status as a center for film production, with the proximity of sound stages and crew services in the Albuquerque area. This growing film hub has attracted numerous productions due to:
Financial Incentives: New Mexico offers competitive tax rebates for film productions Experienced Workforce: A growing pool of skilled technicians and support staff Geographic Flexibility: Landscapes that can double for various settings Year-Round Production: Weather conditions suitable for extended filming schedules.
Behind-the-Scenes Production Details
The film represents a deeply personal project for director Matthew Loren Oates, who wore multiple hats throughout production. Matthew Loren Oates not only directed but also wrote, produced, and edited the movie, making it a very personal work.
Key Production Team:
- Director/Writer/Producer/Editor: Matthew Loren Oates
- Executive Producer: Kevin Hart (HartBeat Productions)
- Additional Producers: Shana Marie, Jesse Jensen, Luke Kelly-Clyne, Bryan Smiley, Rameez Khan
- Creature Design: The Henson Company
- Distribution: Blue Fox Entertainment
The Desert Setting’s Story Significance
Desert location shooting was crucial to the film’s story, as the crash-landing of the alien and the subsequent connection between the creature and its teenage hero are central to the plot. The isolated, otherworldly quality of the New Mexican desert serves multiple narrative purposes:
- Isolation: Creates the perfect setting for an intimate first contact story
- Mystery: The vast landscape emphasizes the unknown origins of the alien visitor
- Freedom: Open spaces allow for the development of the human-alien bond away from prying eyes
- Contrast: The harsh environment contrasts with the warmth of newfound friendship
Cast and Crew’s New Mexico Experience
The production attracted a talented ensemble cast to work in Albuquerque’s unique environment:
- Lulu Wilson as Renee, the brave teenager who befriends the alien
- Omari Hardwick as Jonathan Keyes
- Paul Schneider as Chase
- Wrenn Schmidt and Trae Romano in supporting roles
The cast features Wilson as Renee in the main role, supported by Omari Hardwick as Jonathan Keyes, Paul Schneider as Chase, Wrenn Schmidt, and Trae Romano. The cast provides a blend of grounded work and emotional depth, which serves to balance the broader science fiction aspects of the movie.
From Desert to Distribution Success
Blue Fox Entertainment acquired the distribution rights in February 2025, making sure Xeno was seen by audiences all over the United States and Canada. This strategic partnership ensured that the beautiful New Mexican landscapes captured during production would reach theaters nationwide.
The film’s journey from Albuquerque’s deserts to national release demonstrates how the right location can enhance both production value and storytelling impact.
For more behind-the-scenes insights and filming location guides, check out our movie production coverage and explore our sci-fi movie analysis.
Watch “Xeno” in theaters now and discover more filming location guides on our entertainment section. Find showtimes at Fandango.
Discover more movie filming locations and production insights at TechnoSports Entertainment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Was Xeno filmed in multiple locations or just Albuquerque?
A1: Xeno was filmed entirely in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with no additional locations used. The production team utilized the diverse landscapes around Albuquerque to create all the different settings needed for the story, from intimate desert crash sites to broader vistas representing the alien’s otherworldly origins. This single-location approach helped maintain visual consistency throughout the film.
Q2: How long did filming take in Albuquerque, and what time of year was it shot?
A2: Filming began on May 8, 2023, and continued for several months through the summer. The spring-to-summer filming schedule allowed the production to take advantage of New Mexico’s ideal weather conditions and longer daylight hours, which were particularly important for the extensive desert location work that forms the backbone of the alien encounter story.
