Alien: Covenant is still a year away from invading cinemas - but producers are already hinting at a terrifying new version of the xenomorphs.

A behind-the-scenes video posted on Alien's official Twitter account appears to show a lanky xenomorph claw being sculpted - along with the tagline: "Where it all begins."

There has, thus far, been conflicting information about whether xenomorphs will figure heavily in the Prometheus sequel.

Director Sir Ridley Scott all but declared the xenomorph retired back in the fall of 2014 - hinting that he was keen to create an entirely new alien species.

"The beast is done, cooked," he declared at the time.

However, the project is believed to have been significantly revamped over the last two years, with Prometheus being removed from its title in favour of Alien: Covenant.

Michael Fassbender and late addition Noomi Rapace will return for an intergalactic adventure that sees the spaceship Covenant discover the remains of devious android David (Fassbender) on a desolate planet.

Newcomers include Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them's Katherine Waterston, Empire favourite Jussie Smollett and comedian Danny McBride.