JCB construction machines play roles in Alien Covenant

The Movie Alien: Covenant Stars Fassbender, Monsters and JCB Equipment

May 18, 2017
Ready for some scary space monsters? A fleet of more than 20 JCB machines is playing a starring role in the latest installment of the "Alien" cult film franchise.

Ready for some scary space monsters? A fleet of more than 20 JCB machines is playing a starring role in the latest installment of the Alien cult film franchise. JCB skid steers loaders, Loadall telescopic handlers and JS excavators were supplied to 20th Century Fox for the making of the new film Alien: Covenant which will be released in the U.S. on Friday, May 19.

Starring alongside actors Michael Fassbender and Katherine Waterston, the machines are wrapped in stunning gold to give them a futuristic look – the idea of British film director and producer Ridley Scott. 

“This is one of the highest-profile film projects in JCB’s history, involving approximately $1.3 million worth of machines,” said Michael Plummer, JCB’s Worldwide Marketing Director. “Ridley Scott’s idea to wrap the machines in gold delivered a stunning result and is certainly an eye-catching addition to a film which will be seen by millions of people around the world.” 

The machines – which appear in the film's finale – arrived at the movie set in Sydney with the help of JCB dealer Construction Equipment Australia. The dealer also provided film makers with six JCB generators for additional on-site power. 

The equipment is used in the so-called “terraforming bay,” an area which alters the environment to make it capable of supporting terrestrial life. “Alien: Covenant” is set almost 100 years in the future and is the sixth film in the popular “Alien” franchise.