Alien 3: Why it Went Wrong and How it Almost Killed the Franchise

Some of the most beloved and critically acclaimed movie franchises, have the potential to become incredibly popular, especially if there's an exciting premise! With amazing movies such as Alien, there's a strong history that came before the 1992 release of Alien 3. What made this even worse? There was the idea that this could be the best movie and build upon its predecessor's success.

A Misfire

But fans know, and movie goers will know from watching Alien 3, that the story itself didn't really hit all the right notes and took an interesting and perhaps frustrating turn. This really happened in one movie when director David Fincher, who would go on to create incredible hits like "Fight Club" and "The Social Network" took the reins of directing! The "Alien" series, and some of the story decisions, didn't quite seem to mesh and for fans. That could have impacted the overall narrative, particularly in its approach to Ripley. What really stands out, and it really makes people wonder about the direction this movie took! In the film, Ripley is surrounded by convicts. It's as if she was going from facing down aliens to now a super villain. If that wasn't enough. It's hard not to be caught off guard!

You've got a group of prisoners. These men have done bad, horrible things, some are accused of "murder" and even "rape." But these crimes and horrific details, did not have to involve the "Alien" story!

Also Read: Xenomorph Evolution: From Chestbursters to Spitter Aliens

What Was Wrong With Alien 3:

A lot has been said about Alien 3 but it is really about how "Ripley' character was not represented well and that the character who was built for strong moments, such as her time as an officer with a determined, resilient and almost stoic personality was seemingly given this dramatic and painful downfall! To put it lightly, the fans weren't super happy!

Ripley gets attacked! Not by Xenomorphs, or something else super interesting, but instead by a fellow prisoner! These kinds of plot turns and what really made it seem unbelievable was the way that this assault scene took place so quickly and the fact that no one else, particularly the fellow prisoners, stepped in to defend the victim! What does it tell you, in retrospect? The showrunners, and Fincher at the helm, were taking this story in a new direction! It seems like a big departure that was a miss for the movie.
In a time where the movie really has the opportunity to explore this intense side of Ripley's character! She had been violated and betrayed by these characters and was also at a point where she needed to fight a monster in her prison setting!

This meant that in the new "Alien 3". "Ripley" has almost lost everything, but also it had an overall gloomy sense! In retrospect, you really get the impression that things were very confusing. These choices make Alien 3 so much less appealing and more frustrating.

Also Read: Alien 3: The Original Ending That Was Lost

Losing Friends and a Loved One:

"Aliens" has become a cinematic classic. Fans can look back on how the Alien saga took the franchise and made it even more powerful by having Ripley team up with an incredible group of people! They showed how much strength they had, how determined Ripley was and this could have even made the next story, that was just getting started with "Alien 3" incredibly compelling and even gave audiences a way to care about the new characters.

Instead, we lost one of Ripley's most important allies "Hicks," who gave the audience such an interesting dynamic! To add more drama to the new movie, Newt (played by Carrie Henn) is killed. And, in another odd choice "Bishop (the character known for being super, super cool) is not able to use his skills.

All of these amazing, strong characters are killed or seemingly killed. Even for those who don't like Alien 3, those characters leave a mark.

Also Read: Alien Franchise: Will Ripley Return? Sigourney Weaver Speaks Out

Alien 3 Could Have Been A Powerful Story:

Sigourney Weaver as Ellen Ripley winces as the alien looms close to her face in Alien 3 Image

Alien 3 was more than just about some amazing characters. While those are super important to get fans to tune in, and have something to connect with. There was a compelling story about the potential for a fresh setting! It seemed to bring a truly new angle to the series.

In the movie, Ripley and her new crew. She even made an alliance with an awesome cast including Charles Dance.

What stood out? That while they have "good moments.", and while fans are happy for these big name stars to bring their roles to life, it is just not what we are used to, and not the most enjoyable Alien film. What made "Alien" and "Aliens", some of the most compelling works? It's the combination of amazing story, suspense and a few good chills to make these a part of movie history, with a huge and loyal fan base!

It appears this wasn't always what was supposed to happen. Director "Fincher" felt as if the entire project was already set for failure, which is incredibly frustrating. In "Alien 3", the film itself is something Fincher even disowned.

While fans might not feel the same about "Alien 3," there's nothing more satisfying than having the latest Alien movies (after a long break), hit theaters as "Alien: Covenant" which was a box office hit!

That's how Alien 3 is seen. It wasn't the movie that it could have been.

While it is unfortunate! What happened to "Alien" might be a warning to other popular franchises. Sometimes, the most challenging stories can end up hurting a legacy. And those who are invested in this type of sci-fi series can't help but be bummed that Alien 3 had so many negative choices and what this meant for Ripley and the fans who are a part of "Alien" lore and legacy. It looks like "Alien 3" had some epic characters.

There is an upside! The Alien franchise has so much more to offer as "Alien: Covenant" has shown how great these stories can really be!

Alien 3: Why it Went Wrong and How it Almost Killed the Franchise

A Misfire

What Was Wrong With Alien 3:

Losing Friends and a Loved One:

Alien 3 Could Have Been A Powerful Story:

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