Why David Fincher Almost Quit Hollywood Over Alien 3

The third installment of the Alien movie series, titled Alien 3, was a challenging endeavor that almost led David Fincher to abandon his career in Hollywood. Taking over from Ridley Scott and James Cameron in the Alien franchise was an arduous task for any director. This is why the production of the sequel endured years of development limbo, during which numerous actors and directors tried their hand at it but ultimately failed to materialize. Notable directors such as Renny Harlin (Die Hard 2) and Vincent Ward made attempts, while several concepts were proposed and discarded for Alien 3.

This ensemble also features Ward’s wild pitch on a planet modeled as wooden, governed by monks who shun technology. Later, an emerging talent named David Fincher was brought on board, recognized for his commercial and music video work, such as Madonna’s “Vogue.” However, Alien 3 was a film production that seemed to encounter almost every imaginable mishap. The script was being revised while filming, there were frequent conflicts between the producers and Fincher, and the end product received mixed reactions. In the subsequent years, Fincher himself has been relatively quiet about his involvement in this project.

David Fincher Dislikes Alien 3 More Than Anyone

Don’t expect an Alien 3 director’s cut anytime soon

Back in 2009, during a chat at the BFI, I was probed about my past comment on ‘Alien 3.’ As always, I spoke candidly and humorously, saying… or to put it more plainly, I shared my thoughts on that movie with my signature wit.

I’ve spent two long years working on it, only to be let go from the project three different times. Every aspect of it was a battle for me. To this very moment, I am still its most ardent critic.

He additionally referred to the project as a “trial by fire,” indicating he felt overly inexperienced entering such a significant production. The behind-the-scenes documentary, titled “Wreckage and Rage: Birth of Alien 3,” documented filming on the sequel, where the novice director was compelled to juggle opposing instructions from the studio and producers while simultaneously dealing with a screenplay that was frequently revised in order to meet a deadline.

The majority of the cast and team members, including Charles Dance and editor Terry Rawlings, applaud the talents of young Fincher (who chose not to contribute to the documentary), yet the film Wreckage and Rage depicts a young director battling almost insurmountable challenges. It’s somewhat surprising that Alien 3 turned out as well as it did, given the chaotic atmosphere on set. In fact, Alien 3‘s quality is even more impressive with its extended cut, a version Fincher himself had no hand in creating; he told the BFI that he didn’t even watch it.

Fincher Says The Filmmaking Process For Alien 3 Was Messy

Alien 3 shot with sets intended for an abandoned version of the script

One challenge in preparing for the production of Alien 3 was discovering an innovative concept, as producers Walter Hill and David Giler aimed to avoid a replica of previous ideas. They believed the concept of a wooden planet offered something new, but as filming began and sets were constructed, they grew apprehensive about its unusual nature. Consequently, they dismissed Ward and subsequently hired Fincher to direct a version of Alien 3, which merged Ward’s fundamental idea with another discarded screenplay that was based on a prison planet.

Initially, Fincher was highly enthusiastic about directing a new project titled “Alien,” but was unwilling to delay its release. Consequently, David Fincher began filmmaking without a finalized storyline, utilizing sets constructed for an earlier, unrelated script that needed adaptation. Additionally, he faced skepticism from producers during the production process. Given his later reputation for meticulousness and precision, this endeavor turned out to be quite challenging for him.

Ultimately, the final product deviated significantly from Fincher’s original vision, and when the negative reviews emerged, he bore the brunt of the criticism.

In the production of Alien 3, cost overruns escalated the budget up to an approximate $60 million. Furthermore, in an attempt to differentiate it from James Cameron’s Terminator 2: Judgment Day, the ending was modified. Notably, both films feature heroes leaping into molten metal. Despite its impressive performances, sets, and visuals, Alien 3’s narrative leaves much to be desired, as it is rather convoluted.

If given the opportunity to recreate the Alien film according to his original vision, it’s likely that Fincher would have crafted a true masterpiece. Unfortunately, he was thrust into a predicament where delivering Alien 3 by its deadline took precedence over quality, resulting in an excellent movie despite the circumstances. However, the experience left such a mark on Fincher that getting him to discuss it openly is quite challenging.

David Fincher Nearly Left Filmmaking

Fincher went back to music videos for a time

During an interview with Sight & Sound when Se7en was released, Fincher was quite forthright about his feelings following Alien 3. Essentially, the idea of making another film was completely unappealing to him at that moment: “I didn’t even consider reading a script for a year and a half after that; I’d rather have died of colon cancer than direct another movie.” Afterward, he returned to music videos, producing “Bad Girl” for Madonna and collaborating with other well-known artists.

Every Alien Movie	Release Year
Alien	1979
Aliens	1986
Alien 3	1992
Alien Resurrection	1997
Alien vs Predator	2004
Alien vs Predator: Requiem	2007
Prometheus	2012
Alien: Covenant	2017
Alien: Romulus	2024

With the success he achieved in music videos and commercials, it’s likely that he would have continued in that field. However, after some time, Fincher started to consider directing again. He reasoned that even though directors had made worse films than Alien 3, they still managed to maintain their careers, so he decided to take another chance. Fortunately, the script for Se7en came his way, and since then, history was made.

Alien 3 Didn’t Derail David Fincher’s Career

From Se7en to The Killer, Fincher is one of the greatest filmmakers of his generation

Even among those who appreciated “Alien 3”, it’s safe to say that few could have foreseen David Fincher as the next acclaimed filmmaker. However, his exceptional work on “Se7en” shifted perceptions, as this grim 1995 thriller about two detectives tracking a murderer inspired by the seven deadly sins left a significant impact. Surprisingly, despite its unrelenting darkness, “Se7en” was a massive box office success and has since become a classic. Fincher quickly gained a reputation as a director who insisted on numerous takes and never settled for anything less than his creative vision, a trait that ultimately served him well.

Fincher has directed an impressively large collection of contemporary classics since his initial venture, ranging from Fight Club and Zodiac to The Social Network. Even his supposedly lesser works such as Panic Room or the upcoming 2023 release, The Killer, are still widely praised. The criticism that once followed Fincher after Alien 3 has faded away, but it would be heartening to see him reconcile with his first project. It’s improbable he will re-edit the sequel to suit his preferences, but it is a film more appreciated than he himself acknowledges.

Director David Fincher is planning to work with Brad Pitt once more on “The Continuing Adventures of Cliff Booth,” a follow-up to Quentin Tarantino’s film “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.” There’s speculation that Fincher might not return to the “Alien” series, but fans would be thrilled if he explored the horror genre again.

2025-06-02 17:58