Alien War is one of those attractions that many Alien fans have heard about, but far fewer seem to have had the pleasure of attending. It’s a curiosity amongst the Alien fandom that those of us who didn’t get to experience absolutely love to be able to hear about. Such is the appeal that director Paul King, the man behind Shine On: The Forgotten Shining Location, has turned his attention to Alien War to put together a new documentary in the iconic Alien attraction.
Fans of sci-fi, horror and immersive experiences are in for a thrilling journey back in time with the upcoming documentary BENEATH LONDON: The Story of Alien War. Opened by Sigourney Weaver, Alien War took London by storm in the 1990s and is often referred to as the most terrifying walkthrough attraction ever created.
First launched in Glasgow in 1992 before making its mark in London’s Trocadero in 1993, Alien War was an unprecedented immersive experience that transported visitors into the world of James Cameron’s Aliens, becoming London’s number one tourist attraction at the time. Created by film enthusiasts John Gorman and Gary Gillies, Alien War was more than just a haunted house—it was a cinematic horror simulation, featuring actors, cutting-edge effects and pulse-pounding set pieces that left guests breathless.
The upcoming documentary by Paul King (director of Shine On: The Forgotten Shining Location) features exclusive interviews with the creators and former cast members who reveal how this innovative attraction redefined immersive entertainment and inspired a new wave of horror experiences worldwide. It also examines the attraction’s unfortunate closure.
“Alien War was truly ahead of its time,” says Paul King. “Long before escape rooms and VR horror, this was the closest you could get to stepping inside a real-life sci-fi nightmare. We’re excited to share the incredible story of how it came to be and why it left such a lasting impression”.
“It’s been over 30 years since Alien War opened” says Gary Gillies, Alien War co-creator. “Even now when people find out I was involved with it, I can see the excitement and fear in their eyes. It really did blur the lines between cinema and reality and after all this time, it’s still remembered”.
Alien War co-creator John Gorman – “The media and press attention at the time was unbelievable. We had documentary crews following us, but nothing really happened with that footage. It’s amazing that the story of Alien War is finally being told”.
Colonial Marine performer Doug McCarthy – “Alien War was never not busy and playing one of the marines was a dream job. We managed to create a perfect environment of horror and entertainment, but with the emphasis heavily on horror”.
BENEATH LONDON: The Story of Alien War is set to be released exclusively on YouTube in April 2025 as a short documentary, with plans for a feature length version already in the works. For those who remember the heart-pounding terror of dodging xenomorphs in dimly lit corridors – or for those curious to learn about one of the most ambitious horror attractions ever conceived, this is one documentary you won’t want to miss.
Be sure to head on over to director Paul King’s YouTube page to subscribe and keep an eye out in April for the release of the documentary!
While we wait for the release of Beneath London, Alien vs. Predator Galaxy had the opportunity to chat to several of the performers who worked on Alien War across several venues, including the Trocadero back in 2021 for the 131st episode of the AvP Galaxy Podcast. You can check that out here!
Keep your browsers locked on Alien vs. Predator Galaxy for the latest Alien news! You can follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, and YouTube to get the latest on your social media walls. You can also join in with fellow Alien and Predator fans on our forums.
My hour had not yet come.
So well done , there were film props on display as well outside after you come running out
BTS video https://www.facebook.com/gigersalien/videos/1619573838095304/
Cool gallery https://imgur.com/a/7NVXUDi
https://www.avpgalaxy.net/2021/08/09/tactical-debrief-interviewing-alien-war-performers-steven-pyatt-doug-mccarthy-toby-greenfield-avp-galaxy-podcast-131/
Their memories really nailed the fan-brew passion projects of UK ALIENS fandom in the 1990s. You had Role Playing tabletop games modded for ALIENS and sci-fi conventions. But to come across ALIEN WAR on a chance trip to London was peak.
(Just to be clear I personally didn't actually go inside, I just remember the monitors outside previewing).
Both Carrie Henn AND Sigourney Weaver went to ALIEN WAR (source photos and interviews) but on different ocassions I think.
Did you or your parents/guardians have to remortgage your house to eat there?
I thought it was super cool.
I can still remember that there were a few startled girls in our group and one of them couldn't keep calm and was giggling the whole time.
At some point one of the marines turned to her and said dryly: "Stop laughing or I'll make sure the alien gets you!"
I think you can hear their Brit accents sneak through at times in SM's video.
Wow. You actually went to Alien: War. Love it.
That's it!!! I remember eagerly awaiting to watch it when I saw the midweek preview.
Wow. Iain Finlay & Beyond 2000!! I actually remember parts of this now as I rewatch it.
@SM so that's your footage at the beginning? At Planet Hollywood?
The scene at the end of the above trailer, when one of the aliens yanks someone out of the lift was truly terrifying for my 13 year old self!
Especially with the wreckage site experience that seems like it'll be touring a couple of cities in the States. I'd be happy with something akin to Alien: Descent making it around too, but I'd sure love a proper in-person interactive experience like Alien War getting back out there. I think Gary and co tried a couple times, but it just never emerged.