Michael Biehn & Ricco Ross discuss Michael replacing James Remar on James Cameron's Aliens (1986)

[@MrCarpen7er]

Michael Biehn has a channel ? Damn, immediate subscription !

[@jnulpi1]

me too.

[@chrisf8898]

Met Michael once and he was so nice and awesome

[@almudenaandrescarrillo9607]

Yes, he is incredible!!! And his wife Jen is pure LOVE. It was simply wonderful.

[@goratgo1970]

"Stay Frosty"

[@johnconnor4040]

"Remember SHORT control bursts!!!!"

[@andrewcurtis9074]

*Short controlled bursts.

[@jc2367]

many thanks to both of you gentlemen for helping create my favorite movie of all time.

[@datriaxsondor590]

6:58 Have to say, this one moment in the film, was instantly noticed by me as well. "... and Hicks is next in chain of command. Am I right, Corporal?" "Ya........ ya, that's right." Where Hicks didn't go all gung-ho commander, he seemed more grounded, and almost disappointed that command fell to him. It genuinely was a good character building moment, imo. Good call. 👍

[@Imylover]

I have always loved that moment with Hicks as well, it clearly shows exactly why he was the right person to take command. Because he didn't expect it or want it just because he's a Corporal but mostly because of the insane danger & pressure they are in. Aliens is a film that shows power when it's in the wrong hands, like Burke & even Gorman. But also when it's in the right people's hands, like Hicks & Ripley. And what truly makes Hicks so great in his leadership is that he right away steps up & does take competent command, which he has shown signs of before this moment anyway. One aspect of that competence is that he constantly leans on Ripley as an advisor, which is the very reason why she's even there to begin with. Michael played all of this so beautifully which made Hicks my second fav character in Aliens besides Ripley herself. Both characters have fantastic chemistry because they are quite similar & have same human values. And both have been forced to take charge against the same horrible thing when their senior officers are no longer there to lead, Ripley in Alien & Hicks in Aliens. No wonder the two clicked.

[@almudenaandrescarrillo9607]

I can't imagine Hicks played for Another actor except Michael. And the SMILE WAS THE DIFFERENT!!!! In the first moment you see that smile you are looking a person you can trust. I think the kindness, the Mannerism, the voice, the cadence, the little details.. with Newt for example... made the difference. Simple you love the character even more than Ripley. More without doubts. And thank God because Michael made Aliens HIGHER.

[@emultra759]

And to Ricco's point, it would've clashed with Hudson. Hicks probably made corporal precisely for the level-headed control he exhibited. He's a natural squad leader, and Michael's portrayal supports that.

[@edgar_friendly]

AND, I think although Michael used the word (qualified) 'Submissive', I think what he was getting at was that Hicks was willing to 'defer' to Ripley, after all, she was the 'consultant' ... the 'expert' on the mission. That again is the sign of a rock-solid leader, no ego, just a leader (a mirrior in many ways to Ripley's own character in the first film). Michael's subtle approach to Hicks brings these qualities to the screen in a much more effective way than perhaps a more machoistic/bombastic one would. His portrayal of Hicks, allows these qualities to rise to the top. Leave the bombasticism to Hudson ...

[@Robert-d3j1b]

I agree,but it would of been great to see James Remar as one of the marines

[@CarlosSoto-xe2we]

I remember that scene being so impactful where Hicks said his "Yeah" to agree with Ripley that he's in charge. Just one line and his acting spoke so much to me. When I 1st saw it I took it to mean "yeah I'm charge, but that means that so many of my friends have died so I could be in charge. I hate that I'm charge because of what that reality means." 😔 Amazing performance, that movie, that cast, what an incredible film!!! I love Hicks, stay frosty!

[@Rogge73]

Michael, a sincere THANK you for all your work! I grew up on your films, cheers from Sweden! 😊

[@jjmdirector]

"What the F are we supposed to use, Harsh Language?" - one of the best action movie lines ever!

[@francischambless5919]

Borrowed that line MANY times next to, "I hate this job".

[@Broyale26]

Thank you both for creating these truly memorable characters. The thing I love about Aliens is that you remember all the supporting characters because you've spent damn near half the movie with 'em and they were so believable and likeable. Even if you didn't really see them but heard their name (WEIRZBOWSKIIIII!!!!!!!) you remember them. I wonder what happened to that nurse that took care of Ripley at the beginning.

[@robertjones8856]

Great chat with Rico and Michael. Took my brother and sister to a comi-con once, and Michael Biehn was talking on a panel about Aliens. He was brilliant, he's the real deal top class actor and seems a nice guy to. Best wishes all.

[@mandu6665]

To go with Michael's smile, Sgt. Apone's big laugh and smile followed with, "Bay 12, please." also added a ton to Al Matthews character. All we've seen of him up to that scene is a hardass leader staying on top of his soldiers only for it to switch to amusement, being impressed by Ripley's action and showing her politeness. I also saw in another comment Hicks and Apone are the only ones to take Ripley's description of the xenomorph seriously which is another great subtle way to establish characters.

[@dnakatomiuk]

Why I wish Apone lasted a bit longer but the film is like Marines who go in with cockyness and egos and they get ripped to piece's in seconds. But the Ripley, Hicks, Apone scene brings a smile for a brief second

[@charmawow]

Yep I absolutely love that moment with Apone and Hicks….just another thing that draws us to these characters in such a simple way.

[@Offbeaten]

Can't stop looking at that street fighter cabinet.. Still, great to hear these guys talk about the movie.

[@thejamesguide]

"I guess she doesn't like the cornbread either." Best delivery ever!

[@SSS1984MMM]

It'd be pretty cool if you could get James Remar on your podcast. He's had a great career worth discussing & I'd love to hear his how he wanted to approach the role of Hicks.

[@danielstockley5631]

I turned 40 this year and it breaks my heart to see more and more famous faces from my childhood leave us like Paxton. So many amazing memories. These classics also take me back to a time that was probably just better than now.

[@jrman413]

Michael Biehn is the man!!! A idol. Man so many great movies

[@NBKRebelGamer87]

As soon as I saw Michael Biehn had a channel I subbed! Huge fan since I was a kid in the 90's and watch Terminator, Tombstone, Aliens, The Abyss, Navy Seals etc!!! I hope you are well Michael , love listening to your episode on the Inside You podcast so this is great to see you have a channel so I can hear more! All the Best from the UK! Edit: I just realised Ricco Ross is Frost from Aliens! Awesome!

[@Refuse2Lose33]

*Hicks pulls out shotgun" Hicks: I like to keep this handy...for close encounters Frost: I heard that!

[@browneyemastermind]

I always interpreted Hicks response to being in charge as "My sergeant is dead, my friends are mostly dead". Theres a lot of sorrow in his delivery to me. Michael and Bruce Campbell are my favorite actors, great to discover this podcast.

[@emultra759]

Agreed. Hicks was already in control together with Ripley. Pressing the point to Burke by getting all aggro would've been unnecessary and out of character for Hicks. Instead, he says "yeah..." and calmly repeats Ripley's line about nuking the station from orbit.

[@snyperlite]

Appreciate the “I’m in charge” anecdote, memorable sequence and character reaction for sure.

[@limorapp]

Fantastic clip, great insight from great actors about such a legendary movie ! instant subscribe!!

[@cervantesmusic1]

This was awesome, thanks fellas. One thing about ALIENS that gets doesn't get enough discussion imho, are the narrative arcs of each of the ensemble. If you think about it, the only character that makes it through most of the run time that doesn't have really have one - is Vasquez. She is portrayed as a badass start to end. Even friggin' Gorman gets redeemed, albeit slightly.

[@dcpack]

Vasquez was an excellent character mainly because she was a competent member of the TEAM. NOT better than all those men.

[@cervantesmusic1]

Wasn't implying this. Again, my comment is strictly regarding the narrative arcs of each of the ensemble relative to each other.

[@jacqueeelle6287]

Her arc takes her from cocky badass to serious badass. I love that moment with her and Gorman, when he pulls out the grenade. So much focus on character even in their last scene.

[@woodya.3523]

I, too, met Michael. He was doing a movie in a neighboring town. Saving grace i think. I live in a very small town so you can imagine my shock to seeing and him walking down mainstreet. Such a good person. He and his girlfreind took time to talk about himself and even took many photos. Such a great guy...definitely the nicest celeb I met and the same person you see here. glad he is doing the podcast.

[@pr1mu]

Great chat guys, loved the insights, thank you

[@mogg34y]

That moment James Remar was let was his intervention to get clean and he did. He said he still gets goosebumps talking about Aliens!

[@philpalmares]

Michael Biehn has a presence about him. He was great in Terminator and Aliens

[@nickwarriordiaz]

tombstone he was great in that too

[@fwabble]

Outstanding in The Abyss, MORE people of current day need to watch The Abyss, hugely underrappreciated in today's time

[@AbeStephan]

He really creeped me out in THE ABYSS . Scary special forces looking

[@scottishgeekguy]

Love hearing these stories, recently watched the brilliant doc @aliensexpanded where they discuss Michael taking over from James Remar.... as life long Aliens fans, I was amazed I didn't actually know this

[@Billy-bc8pk]

Dude, its was both disappointing and cool about the casting, because I love James Remar and I could have totally seen him as Hicks in Aliens. But... I also love Biehn, and I think Biehn brought a more sensitive and subdued aspect of the character to the role that was absolutely necessary to play into building synergy and chemistry with Sigourney. And that helped a ton in wanting to root for both Hicks and Ripley to get out of the situation alive. I don't know if Remar's more amped up portrayal of Hicks would have worked out as well, because then we would have been thinking that basically it would be Ajax from The Warriors fighting xenomorphs (which would be kick butt, but kind of out of tune for what they were going for with the relationship between Ripley and Hicks).

[@BillyAsWell]

The most effective NCOs in the military are the ones that don't yell.

[@nigelagilebear]

Remar would have given quiet sensitivity - he does that in many parts - But also played it a bit more gruff. That would have been quite similar to Al Matthews (Apone). Biehn is fantastic as Hicks - and complements the bigger (Ripley) and showier (Hudson) brilliantly.

[@mikeadams7904]

I'm not sure if remars hicks would have been as likeable.

[@jimbowlan5804]

@mikeadams7904 remars would have been more gruff I love remar but Iam happy he got fired cause Michael is hicks when I think of Michael hicks comes to my mind before reese

[@blueluny]

Great insights and great to see Mike being happy and laughing

[@dafrog491]

Me and my brothers always knew Michael Biehn as Reese. Never been into aliens but im a lifelong fan of the Terminator franchise. Love the character of Reese. You da man Michael. 😎

[@datriaxsondor590]

"Hey, what the hell are we supposed to use, man? Harsh language?" "Frost, you got the duty. Open that bag." , "Thanks alot, sahge." Ya, the "close encounters" line is super famous, and for good reason, but Frost had some great low-key moments in this movie too. Rock on, Biehn and Ross. 🍻

[@toochangz]

James Remar was great in Drugstore June recently, check it out!

[@DocFranke]

Mike is absolutely right. He was a corporal which is a specialist in the army, and him sleeping was dead on!!! They don't call the rank a sham shield for nothing. The sgt is here and i outrank the rest so i have no responsibility ... snooze. And yes Hicks would turn to ripley for advice because of her experience and her flight status was renewed for going so she is a Lt. As far as he is concerned all decisions go through her and him and that's it. Good on Cameron and Mike for recognizing that. An Nco always obeys his officer, but an officer that doesn't seek advice from his nco's is a bad fucking officer. When I was an Lt. I loved talking to my wise sgt major ... I respected his experience so much that I honestly don't remember ever giving him an order; and maybe that's why he liked me and hated the rest. I would ask what do you think sgt maj...after his input which was always sound, i'd ask do you need anything from me to execute. He'd just smile and say you'll be the first to know sir. Guy was a living badass. Rippley was a great officer she knew everyone , but Burke would back her, but she put her trust in the combat nco with combat experience...That's rare stuff.

[@DrWolfenstein313]

Blessed genes, Ricco looks wonderful.

[@Acid4Blood]

Excellent video and great actors from a classic movie 🎬

[@purefoldnz3070]

Aliens wouldnt work without Biehn playing Hicks, especially his chemistry with his friend Bill Paxton.

[@drudi1234]

How am I just finding out Michael has a podcast? Subscribed!

[@johnglover4453]

Ringo will be remembered for a 1000+ years. Johnny Ringo too, likely, thanks to Mike's legendary performance in Tombstone :)

[@motorcycleboy9000]

Everything you need to know about Hicks, you learn on the dropship. He's the only one getting in some free shuteye. Veteran stuff right there.

[@davidtaylor2152]

Thanks MB for visiting Adelaide, Australia at the Supernova or Comicon.

[@almudenaandrescarrillo9607]

Superlative clip 🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌

[@TRockett55IRISH]

Well done lads great sit down.

[@SoulStylistJukeBox]

James Remar was even in OPPENHEIMER!

[@tylershieldsvideos]

Great Podcast

[@K_Bomaye]

Frost!

[@brandondavenport6147]

Michael u are a great actor and great listening too

[@antoniocruz5596]

I think James Remar would have given us a good performance as Corporal Hicks in Aliens, although perhaps a more rough and gruff version. A no nonsense, unflinching, laser focused version of a battle tested and hardened colonial Marine. But I have to admit as a fan of the movie, and a veteran, that Michael Biehn gave us the Hicks that most of us would have wanted to be ourselves. The reliable, soft spoken, calm, cool, and collected person everyone hopes to have available in a crisis.

[@Rob-z7k]

You hit the nail on the head with your comment on a different Hicks!

[@kirk1701]

Ricco Ross also appeared in the _Doctor Who_ episode 'Greatest Show in the Galaxy.'

[@d3mist0clesgee12]

great interview, this movies hidden gem, great movie

[@Broyale26]

Hidden gem, seriously?

[@d3mist0clesgee12]

@@Broyale26 have you seen it? Its pretty good

[@silverwings21]

5:32 "Supportive" is probably the word you're looking for.

[@navbuoy]

That's a good one but he was alluding to the character outranking her but still willing to acknowledge her experience and intuition. I think 'Receptive' would also be a good one too.

[@BillyAsWell]

When he talks about being in charge...exactly how any Marine would react.

[@MrJimithee]

It's an interesting thought... I'm remembering all Hicks's lines and picturing them with the cartoon macho hollywood delivery. It could have worked, but honestly the film is testosterone-y enough! Might have over balanced it! Nice work Michael x

[@iamjoehalenbeck500]

wait wait wait hicks has a podcast yessssssss shoulda been called EAT THIS lol

[@miragenights801]

If you guys could pass a question to Michael next time, it'd be great! Where does he stand on the topic of Terminator 1 being more of a horror film than an action film? Also, my thanks to him for helping sculpt my all-time favorite movie! He's a legend

[@RolandDeschain1]

I'd love to hear Michael talk at length about what went on with BLOOD BOND.

[@TheASSedoTV]

Thank you for this interview, gentleman. From your number Aliens fan in Ukraine 🇺🇦

[@dnakatomiuk]

Jesus Michael Baine has a channel man subbed Man if Only Bill Paxton was still here (RIP Mr Paxton you were a wonderful actor) to hear some stories from both of you wow. Any chance your going to get Janette Goldstein aka Vasquez on for a chat

[@tech-bore8839]

I think of it the same way as Eric Stoltz and BTTF. The final product is great as is, but I'd also love to see the other version out of curiosity.

[@Rob-z7k]

Stoltz def was no MJF! He doesnt have that spark in his movies like fox does!

[@generalsandnapoleon]

Frost and Hicks together again!

[@0vermars520]

So his character from Warriors. AJAX wouldve been his Hicks. Glad Biehn got the role

[@highlandspeaker]

damn i'm gonna have to go watch this movie for 300th time now

[@liamphillips7315]

Hicks wasn’t GOING to fly off the handle - he was trained, calm, capable, focused, and frosty as hell. Rational thinking beats overreacting every time. Except maybe for the Hulk lol 🤘

[@michaelsavigar7608]

What a great story from one of my favourite films of all time . And terminator and the western he did I think iam a Michael biehn fan ha ha iam sun as well

[@matthew1976]

Great stuff

[@bonglesnodkins329]

Yeah, I guess that's true... Biehn plays Hicks as quietly competent rather than as someone who inspires the other marines in a bold way. Hudson does all the bragging; Hicks is just good at his job, a good people person, and comes across as being an intelligent NCO and capable planner (when the leadership role falls to him he steps up and does it well), so it makes sense that he's Apone's #2. If I were to guess at who the smartest marines were, it would probably be Hicks, Apone, Dietrich and Ferro. I would want those four on my Sulaco pub quiz team.

[@xavilopez5981]

0:19 Al Matthews?

[@tykjenffs]

FROST!

[@jollyjakelovell4787]

If you want to see James Remar in a movie at about the same time as 'Aliens' watch 'Quiet Cool'.

[@LisetteSanabria-Velazque-ne9jb]

Great Stories 🙂 🎉

[@mew10521]

I didn't know he had a podcast

[@wadewilson8303]

I'm surprised Staff Sergeant Al Mathews (Apone) didn't handle all of that. He was a United States Marine.

[@kylejones9613]

Legend.

[@entlim]

Al Matthews wasn't English.. Born in Brooklyn, he just lived and worked a lo in the UK

[@Keenergetic]

A brilliant movie!

[@jmorris023]

So Renmar was playing Hicks as more bombastic then? Can’t imagine it, would have really changed the whole movie.

[@podgezoolander]

Jen damn saved Michael. Love them both!

[@luchagain3424]

Look into my eye!

[@TheRubberStudiosASMR]

Wouldn’t have been the same. There is a coldness to that other dude.

[@thedragonlee76]

People,go listen to the Aliens commentary.Biehn praises Rico Ross...😊

[@Lt_Dredge]

Well shit, let's get him in for one of those Ridley Scott sequels.

[@baronvg]

All I want to know is did James Remar’s Hicks like the cornbread???

[@touchdjlitc]

You’ll burn out the trams axle!..ease down..

[@tonypine3434]

Transaxle

[@touchdjlitc]

@@tonypine3434 Yo! I fkd that all the way up m ..and I missed a couple ease downs….

[@Paulafan5]

If a character is low key, then when they raise their voice or take strong action you notice it more than a gruff character. When Hicks grabs Burke and says something like "alright, we waste him. No offense" it's very jarring. Hicks was a really cool character and then he dies off-camera.

[@MrMjolnir69]

Looks rough. Hope all well.

[@PaulForstall-yn5bu]

How does Rico Ross look younger now

[@NiceGuyAidey]

Wtf ... Subscribed

[@timothy790110]

It would have been a very differ3nt movie if remar was the lead.

[@nadagabri5783]

So glad that James Remar was kicked off (fired) absolutely loved still love MICHEAL B in that role - just wow timeless movie

[@TheVileOne]

Is this Sgt. Apone?

[@Rob-z7k]

Apone was the old sgt guy!

[@iamjoehalenbeck500]

hahah ok just got the ref haha say when

[@HappyTeeth.]

I guess he didnt like the cornbread either

[@Adam-s7y4g]

😁 ❤

[@freqenc]

Another remake? What ever happen to creative minds? DEI happened. Nuff said.

[@sammuslu2992]

Maybe we got em demoralised

[@richardlegrand4697]

They can't be reasoned with!!!!

[@doyouluvit]

what are we supposed to use? Harsh language?

[@nadagabri5783]

Why does this guy talk like Michael isn’t sitting in front of him / interviewing him, instead saying when Michael came in vs when you came in?

[@thedragonlee76]

He and Biehn have done interviews and sci-fi conventions for the past 20 years talking about their experiences working on Aliens.

[@emultra759]

He's retelling his experience at the time, which was "this guy" replacing his buddy. It's just a technique, like using the past tense.

[@ResidentPetrolhead]

I think he's trying to tell the story for the audience's benefit rather than relay it directly to Biehn, who undoubtedly knows the particulars first hand. But it does come off a little more awkward than intended at times.

[@VenusHeadTrap2]

Michael can barely speak. What’s he going through?

[@Rob-z7k]

He was an alcholic. It aged and slurred his speech a bit

[@nadagabri5783]

This guy is kissing JR’s ass then come to find out JR snubbed him years later - didn’t even recognize him in the least - dude continues to make excuses for him. ….why? second point - JR is an decent/ good actor yet no leading man

[@MB-oc1nw]

He plays a good thug/lowlife

[@Narrate918]

This interview is clearly too triggering for you. It’s just two actors talking about a movie. Touch grass.

[@emultra759]

It's just having class. There's no point in stirring up anything all these years later. And as difficult as it is for us "rememberers" to relate to, some people just don't hold on to memories or shared experiences the same way. They sort of blank-slate and move on.

[@mjtasticjefferson8107]

He's on a pod talking about his experience on Aliens. Calm down

[@Subo23]

He’s not kissing his ass, it’s a memory of friendship