Disney Pixar artists have visualised what aliens look like – based on the opinions of the British kids. According to the sketch, aliens are one-headed, green-skinned creatures with a mouthful of razor-like teeth. They are also the same size as a human and have five fingers and five toes.
This artist’s impression was based on the views of 1,000 six to 11-year-olds who imagine extra-terrestrials to have arms and legs which are long and thin, an oval head and two big round eyes and pointed ‘elf-like’ ears. Disney & 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.
Art director, Keiko Murayama, the Pixar artist who brought the children’s vision to life said: “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!
“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.”
A resounding 50 per cent of the children said aliens probably speak their own language. However, they also believed they were true linguists, knowing every mother tongue. They also said they would be able to teleport, camouflage themselves and read people’s minds.
Interestingly, it’s not just children who possess a vivid imagination, as 65 per cent of parents agreed with their child’s description. Furthermore, space appears to be a popular subject in households, with 82 per cent confessing their youngster is fascinated by all things cosmic.
Given the opportunity to send a message into space, children revealed that discussing space exploration was their primary topic, and they would also like to enlighten them about Earth’s environment.
Nearly a quarter of children expressed a desire to share stories about their family and friends with extra-terrestrial explorers. Additionally, 20 per cent were open to discussing their feelings with a newfound 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.”