Legendary filmmaker James Cameron has expressed strong disapproval of the 1992 science fiction movie 'Alien 3', stating that its initial narrative choices effectively negated the emotional groundwork laid by his own 1986 blockbuster, 'Aliens'.
Cameron's Blunt Critique on Recent Podcast
The 71-year-old director shared his candid views during a recent episode of the 'Just Foolin About with Michael Biehn' podcast, which was released on December 23. Cameron, who helmed the critically acclaimed sequel to Ridley Scott's original 'Alien', described the creative direction taken by 'Alien 3' as a significant letdown for fans and the story's legacy.
In 'Aliens', Sigourney Weaver returned as the iconic Ellen Ripley, awakening from stasis 57 years after her first encounter. The film successfully introduced several beloved characters who formed a deep connection with the audience: Corporal Dwayne Hicks (Michael Biehn), the young survivor Newt (Carrie Henn), and the synthetic person Bishop (Lance Henriksen).
Why the Opening of Alien 3 Felt Like a Betrayal
The third instalment, which marked the feature film directorial debut of David Fincher, opens with a shocking narrative move. It reveals the off-screen deaths of Hicks, Newt, and Bishop, leaving Ripley as the solitary survivor once again, stranded on a remote prison planet.
Reflecting on this decision, Cameron did not mince his words. "I thought that was the stupidest thing," he stated. He elaborated that the film squandered the emotional investment built in 'Aliens'. "You build a lot of goodwill around the characters of Hicks and Newt and Bishop, and then the first thing they do in the next film is kill them all off," Cameron said, adding, "And replace them with a bunch of convicts that you hate."
'Alien 3' follows Ripley after she crash-lands on a correctional facility inhabited by violent inmates. The film featured a new ensemble cast including Charles S. Dutton, Charles Dance, and Brian Glover.
Acknowledging Fincher's Challenges and Biehn's Grievance
Despite his harsh criticism of the film's story choices, Cameron clarified that he is an admirer of David Fincher's overall body of work. He acknowledged the notoriously difficult production history of 'Alien 3', offering some leniency to the director. "I give him a free pass on that one," Cameron remarked, referring to the developmental challenges Fincher faced.
Podcast host and actor Michael Biehn also voiced his criticism, recalling a personal dispute with the film's producers. Biehn discovered that his likeness as Hicks was used in the film without his prior consent. He was upset both by this unauthorized use and by the manner in which his character was unceremoniously written out of the franchise. He later negotiated a settlement for the use of an archival photograph.
Looking forward, while Cameron praised the recent television series 'Alien: Earth', he firmly ruled out any return to the franchise himself. "You couldn't pay me enough money to go back to that franchise. It has almost become fan-driven at this point," he concluded.
