Sigourney Weaver Kinda Loves ‘Alien 3’: “I think we made a good film”

Like many fans, I geared up for a complete rewatch of the Alien series in preparation for last month’s Alien: Romulus, directed by Fede Alvarez. The original Alien is a timeless classic, and I still can’t understand the lukewarm reviews for Aliens—it’s always been just as remarkable as Ridley Scott’s original. The real surprise for me was Alien 3. I've always appreciated it, but perhaps because I've matured, it resonated with me on a deeper level this time around. David Fincher’s third installment is deeply spiritual and emotionally impactful, serving as a powerful conclusion to Ellen Ripley’s story. I actually adore it. Although the film has maintained a cult following rather than widespread acclaim from its creators, it was heartwarming to hear Sigourney Weaver recently express her fondness for it.

According to Hulu: Sigourney Weaver faces off against a different extraterrestrial threat following the crash of her spaceship on a secluded prison world.

In a recent interview with Deadline, Weaver was asked to reflect on her entire career, which naturally led to a lot of discussion about the iconic Xenomorph. She reminisced about Ripley, describing her as a relatable "everyman" character, a key factor in the lasting popularity of the original film. Weaver also mentioned the four different directors she collaborated with throughout the series—Scott, Cameron, David Fincher, and Jean-Pierre Jeunet—and noted, "Each of the Alien directors I worked with brought their own unique vision to the material." It's her insights on Fincher's Alien 3 that stand out the most.

She discusses the challenges that occurred during the making of the film and addresses the commonly held belief that, of the first four movies, Alien 3 is regarded as the least impressive. She reflects on that period, saying, "It was a turning point when studios shifted focus from 'let's create outstanding films' to 'let's avoid financial loss.'" Fincher has essentially distanced himself from Alien 3, pointing out the constant meddling from the studio, while Ripley criticizes the studio's choice not to back him as "foolish."

Despite its mixed reputation, Weaver holds a fondness for *Alien 3*. She commented on working with Fincher, saying, "I really enjoyed collaborating with him, and I believe we created a solid film. I’m pleased he had the opportunity to present his vision. The cast was fantastic.” Considering that *Alien 3* is often viewed as the odd one out in the series, it's refreshing to hear someone who was involved recognize its merits. Although Fincher faced limitations, his dark and intense conclusion to Ripley’s story has only improved over time. It’s a deeply emotional film wrapped in a horror narrative, and if you haven't seen it in a while, I highly recommend giving it another look when you can.

What are your thoughts? How would you rank Alien 3 in relation to the rest of the series? Personally, I place it third, right after the first two films. Feel free to share your opinion with me on Twitter @Chadiscollins.