More concepts of the Protomorph / Xenomorph from Alien: Covenant have surfaced online! Concept artist Colin Shulver provided some early renderings for the primordial Xenomorph alien on his ArtStation page! We previously highlighted some of his work on the film's new alien - the Neomorph, so be sure to check those out here as well.
Though the official name for this alien is still up for debate, many are referring to the final boss alien in Covenant as the Xenomorph, despite its apparent lack of features which would classify it as such, at least when comparing it to the 1979 original beast which terrorized the Nostromo. Early on in production, we referred to this alien as the Protomorph - a pre-Xenomorph - one more link in the alien's evolutionary chain. The muscular build, the lack of biomechanical aesthetics, the growth rate, the Chestburtster larva stage, etc... all unique to the aliens shown in Covenant, but not identical to the one originally witnessed in Scott's ALIEN. In his gallery, even Shulver posts the following concepts under the "Protomorph" descriptor:
In addition to the Protomorph designs, Shulver also provided some work on the embryos for the Facehuggers, Human colonists and baby Xeno/Protomorphs:
What did you think of David's Protomorph? Do you think it should still be classified as a Xenomorph, despite its differing features? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
If you're a fan of Alien / Prometheus and would like to discuss Alien: Covenant and its upcoming sequel with other like-minded fans, be sure to join in our Alien: Covenant forum! Ranked the #1 Prometheus forum back in 2012 and reigning as the web's top Alien: Covenant fan site, it's a great place to discuss the upcoming Prometheus sequels, dissect details from every trailer and engage with other fans just like you.
The Alien franchise is taking a dramatic turn at 20th Century Studios, now owned by Disney. Currently there are two major Alien projects in development - a new Alien TV series by Noah Hawley and a new, stand-alone Alien movie being directed by Fede Alvarez. Both of which will be taking the franchise in a new direction - moving away from the Alien prequel direction Ridley Scott set out to pursue back in 2012.
Treat yourself to some Alien Merchandise!
As we await the next Alien movie, now is a great time to build your Alien collection and expand your Alien-themed wardrobe. Check out some products below and click here for even more options!
Stay up to date with the latest news and updates on all things Alien by liking us on Facebook and by following us on Twitter and Instagram! You can also subscribe your email to our blog for instant notifications of when new posts are made!
Those fcehugger embryo's would make an awesome collector's piece merchandise. Like a glass snowball kind of thing. Shake it and Black Goo swirls inside.
How about an urn shaped Black Goo lava Lamp!! hahahaa
I'm just wondering whether Ridley really considers this as a Protomorph or just redesigned it as the new look of the classic Xenomorph.
As we remember from Alien 1 to 4, the design got less biomechanical film by film. Though in Alien Resurrection it can be explained that those were not pure Xenomorphs anymore as they inherited human DNA more through Ripley.
Iraptus you're spot on with those novelty inventions! I have an idea for a toy thought I might post to some toy maker forum. If you could the urn shape like semi frosted but still clear/textured somehow but then have those hieroglyphs sparingly on there with black goo lava, omg. Maybe have one of those programmable/RC led color change/flash bulbs=wow#superpimp. My idea is a mini toy dumpster with a fake flame w dry erase marker board where one can write their "disappointment/judgement on its side. Then have some space inside the dumpster to fit an action figure or representative of your disappointment. Would go awesome on a desk but better would be your hugger/burster/chap in a snow globe= that would sell so good.
These are interesting, the renders do clearly show the hands match the Leaked (Officially) Prop Hand where it was Tagged "where it all begins"...
And so indeed as we find out in the Movie this XENOMORPH (it is referred to as) is in effect the Proto-Morph i know some sites dont like the use of this Word along with the Walter-morph ;)
But we have been shown the Xenomorphs in AC are the direct predecessors to those in ALIEN and so rightfully it is a Proto-Morph of sorts... but then it depends how you would use the Term Proto it seems they are distancing themselves from the Term and that Xenomorph is what we are calling this.. yet they (FOX) and Lindeloff referred to the Deacon as a Proto-Xenomorph
Obviously all of those Creatures Originated from the Black Goo on LV-223 or at least are connected (Mural Deacon). And so it would be like what in REAL LIFE would be a Proto-Human is Homo-Erectus? surely... but so too is Homo-Habilis but then while these could be considered more directly Proto-Humans just as the Xenomorph in AC is to the one in ALIEN, the Term Proto could apply all the way back to earlier Hominins or even Apes.
So Ultimately the AC Xenomorph is a Proto-Xenomorph but then i guess any direct Experiment related to the Black Goo could also fit.
The Xenomorph in AC is also a type of Xenomorph that indeed, has a number of differences from its Egg Stage, Chest Buster and Adult Stage.... the KEY missing Aesthetics to the ALIENFranchise Xenomorphs are the Chest Buster Stage (Human Based) and the lack of more Mechanical Atheistic
Before those Experiments/Creations of David's become the 1979 Xenomorph they must go through some more experiments/evolution where the Bio-Mechanical Nature has to become part of its Genetic Structure. It has to obtain a Mechanical Component from somewhere.
Indeed the Xenomorph looks different when Chest Busting from a Non-Human Host, but we really dont have a 100% explanation to why the Bambi Buster in Alien 3 was Quadruped just like its Host, yet Human based Chest Busters where not Bipedal like there Human Hosts.
As far as Each Organism becoming Less Bio-Mechanical... maybe something has to do with the Environment on LV-426 or the Juggernaught as to why Xenomorphs Birthed on LV-426 are Bio-Mechanical... but then Kanes was Birthed from when the Nostromo was in Space... and the Hadleys Hope ones had slightly less Bio-Mechanical look even though they was birthed on LV-426.
Ultimately is just a Atheistic in-continuity we are meant to overlook. But surely the ALIEN: COVENANT Xenomorphs Differences are not just a Atheistic in-continuity but a direct clue to show us that there is a missing Element to how these eventually Evolve into the 1979 Bio-Mechanical Xenomorph.
Very cool pics, and I agree with the Novelties ideas!! Baby Facehugger Paperweight, anyone? :D Put that on your desk at work, yeah it'll get attention and help you find fellow ALIEN geeksters. :)
Loved the pics of the Protomorph, needed those for proper study of the critter for ALIEN: Manticore 'Paradise'. David left behind at least 4 live eggpods, sooo...
In my works, there's a HUGE difference between The Alien and the Protomorph. No real way I can have them square off vs each other, but the characters will definitely notice and remark on the differences.
The Protomorph, it's chilling, it's truly like something from some deep nightmare.
Alien: Covenant is a sequel to 2012's Prometheus as well as a prequel to 1979's ALIEN. Alien fans looking to know more about Alien: Covenant should check back often. Alien-Covenant.com is an information resource for film enthusiasts looking to learn more about the upcoming blockbuster Alien: Covenant. Providing the latest official and accurate information on Alien: Covenant, this website contains links to every set video, viral video, commercial, trailer, poster, movie still and screenshot available. This site is an extension of the Alien & Predator Fandom on Scified - a central hub for fans of Alien and Prometheus looking to stay up-to-date on the latest news. Images used are property of their respective owners. Alien: Covenant, Prometheus and its associated names, logos and images are property of 20th Century Fox and are in no way owned by Scified and its related entities. This is a fan-created website for the purpose of informing and exciting fans for Alien: Covenant's release. If you have any questions about this site, its content or the Scified Network in general, feel free to contact Scified directly.