Scientist Adam Rutherford on why Hollywood aliens always look human

In a new essay for the Financial Times, scientist Adam Rutherford critiques Hollywood's tendency to anthropomorphize extraterrestrials in films like 'Avatar' and 'Star Trek'. He argues that true alien life, if it exists, would likely be radically different from humanoid forms, shaped by entirely different evolutionary paths. Rutherford draws on biology and speculative science to imagine alternative ways of picturing life on other worlds, challenging the creative limits of mainstream cinema. The piece reflects a growing intersection of science and popular culture, urging filmmakers to move beyond familiar tropes.