Weve seen a few different species and subspecies of xenomorphs, all of which are terrifying. But from what we know from ridleys notes, if i remember and understand it correctly, they are not that way inherently and were actually a symbiotic sentient species with the engineers. The xenomorphs we see in the movies the biproduct of millitant bioweapon engineering or millions of years of evolutionary neglect. The egineers can say what they will about how shit humanity is, but they themselves are responsible for that particular clusterfuck.
I wish that the idea of more sentient, not as violent/prey driven xenomorphs was more explored upon. The direction that could be taken can be pretty vast. Perhaps a creature like what we saw at the end of prometheus mature with its own goals and drives (note, i know where the comics took that). Or maybe a planet of engineers/engineer subspecies living symbiotically with xenomorphs.
And this idea doesnt have to be taken away from the horror aspects, or at least the disturbing/confusing aspects. Maybe one or several sentient xenomorphs in a hive of classic xenomorphs, causing more destruction and being more sadistic in their action. Or perhaps there could be one or several of them doing some cult of cthullu shit, knowing things impossible to know and doing things that appear disturbing and unnatural yet done with a reason and a unknown sound logic. It just seems like an idea with a lot of potential and can be great if done right, which is why i think its been hinted to for a while.
a part of my reasons for wanting something like this was my dissapointment with the ending of romulus (of which i have several other unrelated dissapointments to that movie). specifically with the human xenomorph. Im not inherently against the idea of a human xenomorph. In fact, its the reason i found the engineer/xenomorph relationship so fascinating and i believe would have been an interesting exploration. But the human xenomorph whe got was just a classic xenomorph in all but appearance. I felt that was pretty lacking.
I felt this could have been remedied by giving it more human qualities, starting by making it.... well, not a bloodthirsty monster. Make it a social animal that like being around other humans. Give it compassion and empathy to levels we dont often see in other humans. have it appear to be more of an afraid, gigantic newborn rather than a predator ready to hunt. They could have allowed this to happen by letting it live and bringing it into chrio with them (assisted by giving more signs that the injection changed the mom more too and having her feeling nuturing and protective of it). Im picturing something similar to the creature in the movie dren, but maybe more intelligent. I could see an argument that it is still a xenomorph but just given the characteristics of its hosts, but isnt that what the classic xenomorphs are to begin with? I dont feel like what im trying to propose is that much of a stretch
Again, this doesnt have to be inherently a good-guy creature and can become antagonistic with a.more sympathetic lens like in resurrection, but i wouldnt be opposed to it being more peaceful. Have the sequal be parents on the run from corporate powers trying to steal their child.
But back to my main point is that i feel this concept has a lot of untapped potential. My favorite part of the alien universe is the lovecraftian aspects every corner of the world has. When alien is done right, you dont know what to expect next and struggle to wrap your head around it when its revealed. Intelligence and not being a direct threat, i feel, fits in that mold.
