Unveiling Big Chap: A Celestial Odyssey into Alien Cinema History
Prepare for a celestial celebration! This Alien Day revelation is akin to discovering a hidden star in the vast cosmos: an exceedingly rare artifact from the Alien universe, once lost to the depths of space, now emerges into the spotlight. On April 29th, Julien’s Auctions unveils a long-dormant prototype of H.R. Giger’s iconic Xenomorph design, affectionately dubbed “Big Chap,” taking center stage in a spectacular “Hollywood Legends” auction, dedicated to genre enthusiasts worldwide. This rendition of the franchise’s iconic creature showcases a unique translucent appearance, a departure from the familiar opaque form of the infamous acid-blooded beast.
Notably, the bidding for this remarkable piece commences at $40,000. However, for an exclusive glimpse into this extraterrestrial marvel, our virtual experience offers an immersive journey into Giger’s original conception of the Xenomorph, a testament to his groundbreaking “biomechanoid” designs. (Giger’s legacy continues, even after his passing in 2014.)
Martin Nolan, executive director of Julien’s Auctions, reflects on the awe-inspiring return of Big Chap: “Its survival over four decades is truly remarkable. Many believed it to be lost forever, but here it stands, making its debut appearance.”
According to Giger’s longtime agent, Leslie Barany, the genesis of this transparent creature was at the behest of Alien director Ridley Scott, who envisioned bringing Giger’s creation to life in three dimensions. Giger’s diary entries from February 1978 reveal Scott’s desire for a fully transparent alien, with visible organs and skeleton, housing an actor within a half-transparent suit reminiscent of a spider-like entity.
However, realizing this vision proved arduous. Barany recounts the challenges faced during the creation of multiple iterations of the translucent Xenomorph, culminating in the birth of Big Chap—a prototype used for preliminary camera and lighting tests. Yet, the practical limitations became apparent as the suit failed to withstand the studio’s heat, thwarting ambitious plans such as incorporating live maggots into the creature’s head for added realism.
Despite Giger’s perseverance, time constraints led to the abandonment of Big Chap in favor of the now-iconic latex version. Nevertheless, Giger’s dream of a transparent Xenomorph found fruition in later projects, notably the 1995 film Species.
Rescued from obscurity by associate producer Ivor Powell, remnants of Big Chap endured through the years until undergoing meticulous restoration by Tom Spina Designs. Now, entrusted to Julien’s Auctions, this artifact stands as a testament to cinematic history—a tangible reminder of Giger’s visionary brilliance.
The winning bidder of the Big Chap auction will inherit not just a piece of movie memorabilia, but a cherished relic requiring delicate preservation. As Nolan advises, “Maintaining its condition is paramount for its future value.” So, while the temptation to don this otherworldly creation may arise, perhaps it’s best to let it reside in the annals of cinematic splendor, where its legacy shines eternal.