This Day in Horror History: David Fincher’s ALIEN 3 Was Unleashed in 1992

On this day in horror history, 20th Century Fox unleashed Se7en and Fight Club director David Fincher’s third installment of the Alien franchise Alien 3 with Sigourney Weaver reprising her role as Ellen Ripley.

The film faced problems during production with various screenwriters and directors attached. Finally first-time director David Fincher was brought in to replace original director Vincent Ward. Fincher has since disowned the film, blaming studio interference and deadlines.

Alien 3 underperformed at the US box office but earned over $100 million elsewhere. And it was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects.

RELATED: William Gibson’s Original ALIEN 3 Screenplay Adapted Into Comic Series

Written by David Giler, Walter Hill, and Larry Ferguson from a story by Ward it centers on Ellen Ripley who is the only survivor when she crashes on Fiorina 161, a bleak wasteland inhabited by former inmates of the planet’s maximum-security prison. Once again, Ripley must face skepticism and the alien as it hunts down the prisoners and guards. Without weapons or modern technology of any kind, Ripley leads the men into battle against the terrifying creature.

Charles Dance, Brian Glover, Charles S. Dutton, Ralph Brown, Paul McGann, Lance Henriksen, Holt McCallany, Pete Postlethwaite, and Danielle Edmond co-star.

RELATED: Exclusive: studioADI and 20th Century Fox Unveil Stunning Alien 3 and Resurrection Art Collection

The film sports a 43% approval rating over on Rotten Tomatoes with a Critics Consensus that reads: Alien 3 takes admirable risks with franchise mythology, but far too few pay off in a thinly scripted sequel whose stylish visuals aren’t enough to enliven a lack of genuine thrills.

What do you think of David Fincher’s Alien 3? Make sure to let us know what you think in the comments below or over on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!

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