The Alien franchise has been synonymous with action, suspense, and terror in the science fiction film world for over four decades. Alien: Romulus was released just this year, but one of its most talked about films, Alien 3, remains incredibly divisive to this day.
Director David Fincher’s first feature film, starring the iconic Ellen Ripley via Sigourney Weaver, is as infamous for its problematic production as it is remembered for its role in franchise history.
Sigourney Weaver, who also co-produced the film, shared some of the problems that went into shooting Alien 3. She told Deadline, “David (Fincher) had to be on the phone every day and fight for what we could shoot the next day.” It was very clear that the studio support was not there; this obviously made the filming process even more daunting.
Weaver explained that the original Vincent Ward script had a completely different plot, and focused on the monks at the monastery, with Ripley unconscious for most of the film. Eventually, this script was scrapped entirely, and what followed was a very rushed and disorganized production. He said the production was a clear sign of Hollywood’s priorities shifting from making great films to minimizing financial risks. He said, “I felt a deep sense of lack of studio support.” Nevertheless, he acknowledged Fincher’s rejection of the project and praised his work, saying, “I think we made a good movie.”
The original Alien film was released in 1979, introducing the world to Weaver’s now iconic character, Ellen Ripley, a seminal figure in science fiction literature. With Alien, directed by Ridley Scott from a screenplay by Dan O’Bannon, an immediate standard was set for the genre, followed by the equally acclaimed sequel Aliens, directed by James Cameron in 1986.
However, by the time Alien 3 came out, it had in many ways become one of the most divisive entries in the franchise. In addition, there was a dislike of the final product on Fincher’s part, which only added to that reputation. Although a passionate cast and hardworking crew gave the film their best, today it is generally considered the lowest point in the series.
Aside from the poorly received production of Alien 3, the franchise has seen a new lease of life in recent years. Director Fede Alvarez’s Alien: Romulus impressed many with its practical effects and impressed both critics and audiences. The film features an all-new cast including Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Reeks, Isabela Merced, Spike Fearon and Aileen Wu. It has been seen as a return to form for the series.
Not to be left behind, the upcoming Alien: Earth series in the pipeline promises a different dimension as it completes its work through post-production. The creation of Noah Hawley, one of the minds behind the critically acclaimed Fargo, this prequel series to the 1979 original series promises to be something completely different. Promising to see the Xenomorph threat on Earth, Alien: Earth is set to reinvigorate the Aliens franchise into bold and unexpected territories.
Alien 3, both at the time of its release and through continued evolution in Alien franchise history, is a very important, not to say, controversial chapter in its history. Flawed but valuable, wounded but completely honest, this film holds a crucial place in Ellen Ripley’s and, by extension, Alien legacy. Its ups and downs still hold up, interspersed with thrills in a vision of a universe where survival is never a dead rite for everyone.
Also read: What is Sigourney Weaver’s net worth in 2024? Discover the wealth and fortune of the award-winning actress