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In his recent remarks regarding the contentious opening of 'Alien 3,' filmmaking legend James Cameron didn't hold back, referring to the choice to eliminate important Aliens characters as "the stupidest thing" ever done in the franchise. During an appearance on the Just Foolin' About with Michael Biehn podcast, the director of 'Avatar' and 'Aliens' expressed his frustrations and explained why he thinks the narrative decision destroyed a large portion of the emotional impact built in the second film. His candid remarks have reignited debates among fans about the legacy of 'Alien 3' and how it fits within the storied Alien universe.
A Legacy of Horror and Action: The Alien Universe Before 'Alien 3'
The Alien franchise started in 1979 with Ridley Scott's ground-breaking film 'Alien,' which introduced viewers to Sigourney Weaver’s tenacious Ellen Ripley and the deadly Xenomorph. The film's combination of claustrophobic horror and eerie atmosphere made it a science-fiction cinematic classic, and James Cameron's 1986 follow-up, 'Aliens,' was inspired by it.
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By adding action aspects, the Colonial Marines, and new important characters like Corporal Hicks, Newt, and the robot Bishop, 'Aliens' significantly enlarged the universe. Often recognized as one of the greatest science fiction movies of the 1980s, the sequel was a commercial and critical triumph, winning accolades for its characters, plot, and exciting action scenes.
Following the success of Aliens, David Fincher's first feature film, 'Alien 3,' was released in 1992. The film, which debuted on 22nd May, 1992, marked a dramatic change in tone from the previous installment by placing Ripley on a prison planet following a crash, with just her and a new crew surviving. The film got mixed reviews from reviewers and viewers alike, with specific criticism directed at its narrative choices, despite achieving a substantial worldwide profit and receiving nominations for visual effects and other accolades.
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Since then, Alien 3's darker tone and abrupt plot developments have made it one of the series' more contentious installments.
Cameron's Candid Critique: Why 'Alien 3' Missed the Mark
James Cameron's recent remarks focused squarely on the opening twist of 'Alien 3,' in which beloved characters like Hicks, Newt, and Bishop—all of whom were introduced or expanded upon in Aliens—are killed off before the film truly begins. Speaking to Hicks himself, Michael Biehn, on Biehn's podcast, Cameron was asked about the decision in 1992's 'Alien 3' to kill the young character Newt in the opening credits. "You spent the last third of your movie saving her," Biehn pointed out.
"Yeah, exactly," Cameron said. "So, you build a lot of goodwill around the characters of Hicks, Newt, and Bishop. And then the first thing they do in the next film is kill them all off. Really smart, guys." Cameron continued, "And replace them with a bunch of fucking convicts that you hate and want to see die, right? Really clever."
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Cameron further referred to such choice as "the stupidest f—ing thing," claiming that it eliminated the sentimental affection that had been developed for those characters and replacing them with an ensemble cast of inmates who viewers were not familiar with, was truly a bad decision.
On the contrary, he backed Alien 3's director, David Fincher, despite his strong criticism of the plot decision, pointing out that it was Fincher's first film and that he had many difficulties due to studio interference. Cameron said he "gives him a free pass" in recognition of those production difficulties. Actor Michael Biehn, who played Hicks in Aliens, also contributed to the discussion. He described how his likeness was utilized without his consent and criticized the franchise's handling of his character's fate, a disagreement that was only settled through talks.
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However, both Cameron and Biehn had positive things to say about the most current television series in the franchise, 'Alien: Earth,' which has been commended for its atmosphere and storyline and is regarded by some fans and critics as one of the best since 'Aliens.' Cameron concluded by making it clear that he has no interest in returning to the Alien franchise, suggesting it has become too driven by fan expectations rather than bold creative choices.
His candid observations have sparked new discussion among critics and fans over Alien 3's place in the franchise's history and how the series' narrative decisions have both aided and impeded its development over the years.
