Sigourney Weaver is on a mission to rewrite the narrative around Alien 3 and its director, David Fincher—and it’s sparking some seriously heated debates. But here’s where it gets controversial: while many fans and critics have long dismissed the film as a misstep in the Alien franchise, Weaver is doubling down on her love for it, calling it a bold departure from its predecessors. Could she be onto something, or is this just a case of loyalty gone too far? Let’s dive in.
During a recent appearance at New York Comic Con, Weaver didn’t hold back in praising Alien 3. She highlighted its uniqueness, stating, ‘I like it because it’s so utterly different from the first two. [20th Century] Fox was smart to keep choosing very gifted directors who wanted to do something completely different with the Alien story… I had total confidence in David.’ And this is the part most people miss: Weaver’s defense isn’t just about the final product—it’s about the vision and the challenges the team faced during its tumultuous production.
However, even Weaver admits the original screenplay by Vincent Ward wasn’t her cup of tea. She described it as ‘all these monks in space, in a kind of medieval garden,’ with her character in a coma for half the movie. ‘I wasn’t crazy about that script,’ she confessed. She also lamented that Fincher didn’t have enough time to refine the script before filming began, despite delays. ‘We had the most amazing group of actors, amazing crew,’ she added, emphasizing the talent behind the scenes.
Here’s the bold take: While Alien 3 may not hold a candle to the first two films in the eyes of many, it’s not the disaster it’s often painted to be. Its grim tone sets it apart from the horror of Alien and the action-packed Aliens, and its handling of Ripley’s character is surprisingly nuanced. But is that enough to redeem it? That’s where opinions collide.
Weaver’s loyalty extends beyond Fincher—she’s also defended James Cameron during the making of Aliens, despite crew reluctance. This raises a bigger question: Is Weaver’s unwavering support for her directors a testament to her professionalism, or does it cloud her judgment?
Personally, I’m not entirely on Weaver’s side, but I’ll admit Alien 3 isn’t the trainwreck it’s often labeled. It’s flawed, yes, but it has its moments. Now it’s your turn: Where do you stand on Alien 3? Is it an underrated gem, a noble failure, or something in between? Let’s spark a discussion in the comments—agree, disagree, or bring a hot take. The floor is yours!
