ALIENS - The two who were the Queen Alien is James Cameron's ALIENS

Aliens. Shot way back in 1985.

The two performers who were the Queen Alien re-met in 2024. That was 38.5 years after the movie - the testing, design, building, and the shoot of the Alien Queen which started in the fall of 1985. 

James Cameron specifically chose Malcolm Weaver and Stuart St Paul over the many others who tested and auditioned. The movie was expecting to have a team of performers to be the Queen Alien, but James Cameron said that Malcolm Weaver and Stuart St Paul 'understood' his monster. They just got it.  Stan Winston modelled the monster around their bodies.

Hear their story as they remember it.

They went inside the monster every day for months and communicated directly with James Cameron as they performed the Queen Alien, and the fight with Sigourney Weaver and Michael Biehn

Having been together for nearly six months, chatting, they opened an office at Pinewood Studios in Shed 14 just by the James Bond stage. They stored and hired stunt and flying equipment to endless movies and commercials. 

The two talk of years as stunt partners, travelling the world and performing some crazy jobs.

Malcolm Weaver Autographs

https://www.autographica.co.uk/products/copy-of-malcolm-weaver-alien-queen-in-aliens-hand-signed-10-x-8-photo?_pos=1&_sid=c3d129e63&_ss=r

The Queen Alien in Aliens

Movie contracts used to look like this until lawyers added 60 more pages.

I have a box of #QueenAlien #AlienQueen contracts. I guess Malcolm Weaver has too, he was the other side of her body. #Aliens #Aliensmovie It is impossible to know that you are working a really special film, but it was obvious to me we were working with a genius. Malcolm and I worked very closely with Stan Winston and James Cameron. Within days, Jim reduced the 6-man Alien team to just Malcolm and me. The reason we were told was that we understood his creature. I like to believe that he was that determined to get detail. Others might say it was Gayle running the budget. Whichever, it gave us a movie experience never to be repeated. Being the Queen Alien is one of those jobs that sticks. That gets you invited around the world to sign pictures and talk at events. Now, I get asked about my novels. But when you spend your apprenticeship learning from storytellers like James Cameron in a one-to-one situation for months, you absorb their character study because you are performing it. I should not ignore working closely with Sigourney Weaver but only mention her second as my work with her was so much less.

Jim built the Queen. He was there when we were hanging in bags, and he was explaining what he had in his head. The sculptures and latex modellers, including Steve Norrington who I went on to work with at Fugitive (see Krays blog) who was one of those.  We worked in a studio building, modelling and creating the Queen Alien inside and out, for weeks and months. The Queen grew in character as she grew in looks. Then, when we came to dance with the clapper loader, it was Sigourney's stunt double who everything was done with until it was ready for her to come in and see what was possible.  Then we went head to head and talked through the latex and dripping KY jelly.

Most of the work was done at Pinewood Studios, my second home from about 1979 to 1986. That period included Octopussy, Who Dares Wins, The Elephant Man and A View To A Kill. The other stages were rich with movies and other performers who became lifelong friends. But it was there I was taught to dream big, to think film, to understand your face would be sixty feet wise on the big screen so conserve your acting and emotions to be seen without great movement. It was a huge chapter in my learning to be a storyteller.

Here is a review that came in this morning on an American book club. Guess I should thank my peers.

Review of Cruise Ship Heistpost by priya43217 » 12 Sep 2023, 04:23 [Following is a volunteer review of "Cruise Ship Heist" by Stuart St Paul.] Book Cover 5 out of 5 stars Share This Review

I had the privilege of immersing myself in the pages of 'Cruise Ship Heist,' and as an avid reviewer, I'm excited to share my thoughts on this captivating novel. From the moment I embarked on this literary journey, I was immediately drawn into a world of suspense, intrigue, and heart-pounding action. In 'Cruise Ship Heist,' the intricate plot unfolds against the luxurious backdrop of a cruise ship, setting the stage for a high-stakes robbery that keeps readers guessing at every turn. As a reviewer, I found myself engrossed in the author's masterful storytelling, expertly weaving together a diverse cast of characters, each with their own hidden motives and secrets. The relentless pacing of the narrative, coupled with explosive action sequences, ensures that the tension remains palpable throughout, leaving no room for complacency. What sets this novel apart is its exploration of themes beyond the surface-level heist. 'Cruise Ship Heist' delves into the depths of human desires – from greed to loyalty – all while challenging the characters' moral boundaries. The relationships and alliances formed amidst the chaos add an extra layer of complexity to the story, highlighting the intricate web of emotions that drives their actions. As a reviewer, I appreciated how the author's vivid descriptions brought the cruise ship and its opulent surroundings to life, providing a stark contrast to the imminent danger that lurked beneath. The book's ability to seamlessly balance action with character development allowed me to not only root for the characters' survival but also connect with their struggles and triumphs on a personal level. In conclusion, 'Cruise Ship Heist' is a roller-coaster of a read that caters to fans of thrilling suspense and intricate plotlines. I am delighted to recommend this novel to fellow readers and reviewers who crave a novel that keeps them at the edge of their seats, challenges their perceptions, and ultimately delivers an unforgettable literary experience. As a reviewer, I can confidently say that 'Cruise Ship Heist' is a voyage well worth taking.". ****** Cruise Ship Heist View: on Amazon

Recently at a talk where I was explaining the months as the Queen Alien, a fan came up with the notorious flight jacket on all badged up. She presented me with a picture she had taken of me, the Alien. I have to thank artist Lynsey Hutchinson for helping me remember a very special time that few had the foresight to see how special and memorable it would be. If only we had smartphones back then.

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