10 Movie Moments Actors Didn't Know Were Coming

10. No One Knew About The Chest Bursting Scene - Alien

The baby Xenomorph bursting through John Hurt's chest in Alien is one of the most iconic shots in the history of cinema, and Ridley Scott went to incredible lengths to make sure it looked as realistic as it possibly could.

Fear has to be one of the most difficult emotions an actor can portray, as it is so easy to see through. Real fear is far more effective, and that's what the director wanted for this scene. That's why he kept the baby alien a secret right up until it happened.

As told by Alien's art director, Roger Christian, all the actors with the exception of John Hurt were sent to their dressing rooms while the shot was set up. With the gear hidden underneath the table, though they may have suspected something was about to happen, no one was prepared for the baby alien.

There were a few different takes involved, thanks to certain technical difficulties, but even after the cast had seen the creature, Ridley Scott had another line of blood spatter added to enhance the genuine shock value. These reactions were real, and went a long way to creating such a masterful and everlasting scene.