Alien III

Audible is doing something really special marking the 40th anniversary of the beginning of the Alien franchise: they’re releasing the “lost” script for Alien III by bestselling science fiction author William Gibson. Originally written in 1987 as a sequel to the Aliens movie, the script never made it to the big screen. Now Audible is making this dream that never was a new reality in the form of a full-cast dramatization.

Michael Biehn is back, reprising his roles of Corporate Hicks and Bishop. Lance Hendrickson also lends his voice in the beginning monologue, setting the scene for the listeners. The military ship Sulaco is on its return journey from LV-426. On board, in cryostasis, are some well-known characters: Hicks, Bishop, little Newt, and Ripley. Without their knowing, the ship trespasses into forbidden space and is soon visited. Things do not go according to plan.

Directed by the award-winning Dirk Maggs, the performance is engrossing and enveloping. The sound design is immersive and compelling. I found myself stopping what I was doing on multiple occasions because I was so caught up in the action. Alien III is an audible gift to all fans of the sci-fi genre.