An artist has created an alien based on the views of 1,000 British kids, who imagined extra-terrestrials to have arms and legs which are long and thin, and a mouth full of sharp teeth
Disney Pixar artists have visualised what aliens look like – based on the opinions of the British kids. According to the sketch, aliens have one head, slimy green skin, and a mouth full of sharp teeth. This fascinating portrayal of extra-terrestrial life stems from the collective imagination of 1,000 children aged between six and eleven.
Disney and Pixar commissioned the study ahead of the release of its animated film, Elio. The movie features a young space fanatic who sends a message to space before being taken up to an interplanetary organisation. The kids envisioned extra-terrestrials sporting lanky arms and legs, an oval face crowned and pointy ‘elf-like’ ears.
Pixar’s own art director Keiko Murayama, who is responsible for bringing the children’s descriptions to life, shared her excitement: “It was fascinating getting to create this alien through the eyes of the children who imagined it. We can only hope we’ve done it justice!”
She added, “There’s a whole universe out there that we have had the best time imagining whilst making Elio, and now the people who will get to watch it have had their part in it too.”
While half of the participating youngsters reckon the fictional beings would converse in an alien tongue, they also fancy them as linguistic prodigies fluent in every language.
They also imagined aliens could become invisible to evade detection and even have their skin change colour based on how they were feeling.
Interestingly, it’s not just the little ones with a flair for creativity – 65 per cent of parents agreed with their children’s alien descriptions.
Space is evidently a popular subject in many homes, with 82 per cent of parents acknowledging their child’s fascination with the cosmos.
Given the opportunity to transmit a message into space, children revealed that discussing cosmic exploration would be their top priority, along with telling aliens about Earth’s environment.
They also added they would want to share tales of their family and friends, while 20 per cent were open to discussing their feelings with an alien friend.
A spokesperson for Disney Pixar, added: “With the movie all about discovery, both the with main character’s self and of other worlds, it’s great to also find space is still as interesting as ever to kids.”
Elio producer, Mary Alice Drumm, added: “Our incredible artists designed over 21 species of alien characters for the world of Elio.
“It’s great to hear audiences who will be watching the film on the big screen, have imaginations as big as ours.”