James Cameron has made headlines with his strong criticism of a major plot point in Alien 3, especially concerning Newt’s fate—a decision that has long divided fans and sparked ongoing debate. Speaking recently, Cameron’s remarks provide direct insight into his views on the creative direction that followed his film Aliens, bringing fresh attention to the topic: James Cameron on Alien 3.
Cameron’s Disappointment with Character Deaths
While appearing on a podcast with longtime colleague Michael Biehn, James Cameron openly discussed his reaction to the early deaths of key characters Newt and Hicks in Alien 3. The discussion centered on how Aliens, directed by Cameron in 1986, ended with the survival of Newt (Rebecca Jorden) and Hicks (Michael Biehn), which gave audiences a sense of hope for their future. However, both characters’ deaths at the start of the next installment surprised and frustrated many viewers.
When asked if he was disappointed by Newt’s abrupt exit from the story, Cameron did not hold back, saying,
Okay that’s a separate subject. I thought that was the stupidest f—— thing,
—James Cameron, Director. Biehn chimed in, emphasizing how much the previous film focused on Newt’s survival:
You spent the last third of your movie (Aliens) saving her.
—Michael Biehn, Actor.
Cameron elaborated on his disappointment regarding the narrative choices made in Alien 3, commenting,
I know right? So, you build a lot of goodwill around the characters of Hicks, and Newt, and Bishop, and then the first thing they do in the next film is kill them all off, right? Really smart guys. And replace them with a bunch of f**king convicts, that you hate, and want to see die,
—James Cameron, Director.
Reflections on David Fincher’s Involvement
Despite the harsh criticism, Cameron also acknowledged the complicated context in which Alien 3 was made. He recognized David Fincher’s challenges as a first-time feature film director, stating,
Now, I’m a big fan of Fincher and his work and all that. And that was his first feature film and he was getting vetored around by a lot of other other voices and all that. So, I give him a free pass on that one.
—James Cameron, Director.
Cameron’s comments offer a glimpse into the tension between directors in Hollywood when sequels take drastic narrative turns. By spotlighting his opinions, he reignites discussion about longstanding creative disagreements and the lasting effects such storyline changes can have on characters and fans alike.
As debates continue over the direction of the Alien franchise, Cameron’s statements are likely to influence both the public’s perception of the series and ongoing conversations within the filmmaking community about the responsibility of sequels to honor their predecessors.
