A definitive in the realm of science-fiction and horror films, the Alien series continues to thrill audiences with its nail-biting suspense, groundbreaking special effects, and memorable characters. Initial films, directed by Ridley Scott and James Cameron, set high standards in the franchaise by masterfully blending horror and action elements. While the third installment directed by David Fincher fell short of fans’ expectations, it’s intriguing to contemplate what the original director’s vision might have achieved.
A High Bar Set By Predecessors
The 1979 Ridley Scott’s film introduced the dread-inducing xenomorph and followed its relentless hunt of Nostromo’s crew. James Cameron’s 1986 sequel, Aliens, expanded the story and featured Colonial Marines combating scores of the formidable creatures. The blend of horror and action in these two films resonated deeply with fans, thus setting a high bar for subsequent attempts to emulate their success.
Rough Sailing with Alien 3
The 1992 release, Alien 3, faced multiple production obstacles, including continuous script rewrites, resulting in a film many felt fell short of its predecessors’ expectations. Directed by David Fincher in his directorial debut, the film had a darker tone, focusing on themes of death and sacrifice within a prison planet. Regardless of its ambitious objectives, Alien 3 encountered mixed reviews and struggled to emulate the allure that had made the first two films iconic.
The Original Plan for Alien 3
/Film recently interviewed Renny Harlin, who was originally slated to direct the third installment. Harlin disclosed his audacious idea for the film, which involved bringing the Xenomorphs to Earth. His plan involved a cornfield-based storyline and a rural farmhouse and was believed to be a large-scale success. However, the studio felt that such an idea would not resonate with audiences.
The Irony of the Past and Future
Ironically, a few years after the release of Alien 3, the concept of aliens causing mayhem on Earth became a box office hit in the form of Independence Day. In another twist of fate, the Alien TV series up for production by FX will carry forward Harlin’s original idea of bringing the xenomorphs to Earth.
Harlin left the project due to creative differences, revealing his reservations about the film not living up to the high expectations set by Scott and Cameron’s efforts. He emphasized the need for relatability in the Alien films, stating that though the movies were set in outer space, the characters should resonate with the everyday viewer.
The Franchise Continues to Expand
Despite the setbacks during its production, Alien 3 didn’t deter the franchise’s growth or its capability to build on the Alien timeline. The forthcoming Alien: Romulus by Fede Alvarez fills in the gaps between the first two movies. It is set to hit the theaters on August 16, 2024.
Renny Harlin’s Continued Success
Following the glare of Alien 3, Harlin moved on to direct popular films like Die Hard 2, Cliffhanger, and Deep Blue Sea. Harlin’s latest film, the The Strangers: Chapter 1 is currently in theaters, while Chapter 2 is set to release in Fall and Chapter 3 in 2025.
Wrapping Up
The legacy of the Alien franchise, with its well-executed mix of horror and action, continues to influence moviegoers and the cinematography industry. While some endeavours have fallen short of the mark set by earlier films, revisiting the original director’s vision for Alien 3 offers a tantalizing “what if.” With FX’s upcoming TV series and Fede Alvarez’s Alien: Romulus, viewers can anticipate fresh twists and thrilling alien encounters in the years ahead.
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