James Cameron expressed his strong disapproval regarding the treatment of characters from his acclaimed film Aliens in the 1992 sequel Alien 3. During a conversation with actor Michael Biehn, who portrayed Hicks, Cameron criticized the decision to kill off the characters Newt, Hicks, and Bishop shortly after their development in the previous film. He remarked, "You spent the last third of your movie saving her," highlighting the perceived waste of narrative investment in these characters.
Cameron acknowledged the troubled production of Alien 3, directed by David Fincher, and offered some leniency towards Fincher, noting it was his first feature film. He stated, “Now I’m a big fan of Fincher and his work,” while also lamenting the choice to replace beloved characters with new ones that audiences were less inclined to support.
The debate surrounding the fate of these characters has persisted for years, with fans divided on whether their deaths enhanced emotional stakes or represented a missed opportunity. Cameron's frustration remains palpable decades later, as he continues to reflect on the legacy of his work within the Alien franchise.