With Alien, Rildey Scott created one of the best science fiction films in the history of moving pictures. However, the sequel was put in the hands of a different director.
Imagine making a groundbreaking film whose influence can still be felt in theaters decades later. But then the studio simply hires a different director for the sequel. This is exactly what happened to Ridley Scott after his sci-fi masterpiece Alien.
In 1979, the style-defining film conquered the big screen and gave us not only a legendary movie monster, but also one of the most iconic action heroines in film history (Sigourney Weaver’s Ellen Ripley). However, Scott had to leave his post for the sequel. James Cameron took over as director for part 2.
Sci-fi sequel: Ridley Scott was not at all enthusiastic about James Cameron taking over the Alien series
Aliens – The Return significantly scales back the horror of its predecessor and focuses more on action. In a recent interview with Deadline, Scott was asked how he felt at the time when he learned that 20th Century Fox (now 20th Century Studios) had handed over the expansion of the Alien series to another filmmaker.
I was pissed off. I would never say that to [James Cameron], but I think I was hurt. I knew I had created something very special [with Alien], something truly unique. I was hurt, deeply hurt. In that moment, I felt terrible because I was just trying to recover from Blade Runner.”
Here you can watch the trailer for Aliens – The Return:
Personally, however, Scott holds no grudge against Cameron. “We’re not exactly friends, but we talk a lot and he’s a great guy,” he says in the interview. Nevertheless, the removal of the Alien series seems to have hit him hard. Around 30 years after the original, he was still able to continue his vision.
With Prometheus (2012) and Alien: Covenant (2017), Scott directed two films that were set before the events of the first Alien film. However, he is currently out of the Alien series again. The next part, Alien: Romulus, tells a completely independent story and opens in cinemas on August 15, 2024.
Get it now: The first Alien film by Riley Scott in the 4K edition
