While the name Robert Bobroczkyi may not ring a bell for most, his role in Alien: Romulus is undeniably one of the film’s most unforgettable moments. Director Fede Álvarez strategically keeps one of the biggest surprises—quite literally—for the grand finale. As the climax unfolds, Kay (Isabela Merced) makes a drastic decision to inject herself with a mysterious black substance, resulting in a drastic transformation of the unborn child inside her. The result? A shocking hybrid entity that merges human and alien DNA, initially appearing human-like but emerging from a xenomorph egg.

The reveal of this new xenomorph-human hybrid in Alien: Romulus is unexpected, especially as the creature undergoes rapid growth and metamorphosis. Its eerie white skin, elongated claws, sharp toes, and sinuous tail add a terrifying new dimension to the film’s expanding mythology.

Despite the use of CGI to enhance some aspects of the creature, a real-life actor was cast to bring this chilling entity to life. The film officially credits Robert Bobroczkyi as “Offspring,” marking his debut in the world of acting.

Although Bobroczkyi doesn’t have any dialogue, he reportedly wore prosthetics to create the creature’s final look before CGI effects were layered in.

Born in Arad, Romania, in July 2000, Robert Bobroczkyi moved to the United States in 2016 to pursue a basketball career. His extraordinary height made him a notable figure in the sport, and he played for Rochester Christian University in Michigan. However, his casting in Alien: Romulus signals a new chapter, introducing him to the world of cinema.

The Offspring’s immense size makes for a terrifying presence, as it looms over Kay and Rain (Cailee Spaeny) in the climactic scenes. Bobroczkyi, who stands at an incredible 7 feet 7 inches, was an obvious choice for the role. While the film never explicitly states the creature’s exact height, it is likely that the Offspring is at least as tall as Bobroczkyi—if not taller.

Since making his high school basketball debut in 2017, Bobroczkyi has maintained his towering height, making him the perfect fit for the physically daunting role. His sheer stature distinguishes the Offspring from traditional xenomorphs, adding an intimidating presence to the character.

By utilizing Bobroczkyi’s unique physique, Alien: Romulus effectively crafts a deeply unsettling horror experience.

Interestingly, Bobroczkyi isn’t the first athlete to make an impact in the horror genre. Former professional wrestler Tyler Mane has made his mark in film, having played notable roles like Sabretooth in X-Men and its sequel, Deadpool & Wolverine.

After collaborating with Rob Zombie on The Devil’s Rejects, Mane went on to portray the iconic Michael Myers in Zombie’s reboot of Halloween and its sequel. Standing at 6 feet 9 inches, Mane brought an unprecedented physical menace to the legendary slasher character.

Filming for Alien: Romulus took place from March to July 2023, meaning Bobroczkyi’s transition from basketball to the big screen happened relatively quickly.

“The way he moves is just unique,” shared the film’s animation supervisor Ludovic Chailloleau in an interview with Variety. “Given his size and the character concept, he brings a fresh visual experience that is truly remarkable.”

However, Bobroczkyi’s portrayal of the Offspring wasn’t solely reliant on his physicality. Director Fede Álvarez aimed for a balance between CGI and practical effects, allowing the creature’s design team to craft a horror experience that felt unsettlingly real.

To achieve this, the Offspring’s details were meticulously refined, from its elongated tail to grotesque bursts of blood and skin flaps. According to creature designer Macarin, “Adding those little extra touches enhances the horror element, ensuring audiences cringe and react.” By the time the credits roll, it’s clear their efforts paid off.