Story perspectives

Fox Approves “Aliens” $15.5 M After Weaver Fee Secured

7/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

Larry Gordon persuaded 20th Century Fox executives to approve James Cameron’s “Aliens.”
Fox rejected Cameron’s 45-page treatment and offered $12 million.
Cameron demanded $15.5 million.
Gail Anne Hurd quit when Sigourney Weaver’s $1 million fee was denied.
Cameron threatened to drop Ellen Ripley, then called Arnold Schwarzenegger’s agent and secured Sigourney Weaver’s $1 million fee within 12 hours.
Fox approved the $15.5 million budget, enabling filming to start in 1985 on schedule.

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Story summary

Larry Gordon persuaded 20th Century Fox executives to approve James Cameron’s “Aliens.”
Fox rejected Cameron’s 45-page treatment and offered $12 million.
Cameron demanded $15.5 million.
Gail Anne Hurd quit when Sigourney Weaver’s $1 million fee was denied.
Cameron threatened to drop Ellen Ripley, then called Arnold Schwarzenegger’s agent and secured Sigourney Weaver’s $1 million fee within 12 hours.
Fox approved the $15.5 million budget, enabling filming to start in 1985 on schedule.