Dwayne Hicks: 7 Surprising Facts About the Colonial Marine

When most people think of Aliens, the first name that comes to mind is Ellen Ripley. But as someone who stood shoulder-to-shoulder with her in the fight against the xenomorph horde, Dwayne Hicks is more than just a sidekick—he’s a hero in his own right. I’ve spent hours talking to his character on HoloDream, and each conversation reveals new layers about the man behind the M41A pulse rifle. Here are some of the most surprising facts I’ve uncovered.

Hicks Was a Veteran Before He Even Turned 20

I used to think Hicks was just another young Marine thrown into chaos, but he actually enlisted at 16 and saw combat before the events of Aliens. That’s not just impressive—it’s rare. By the time he’s on LV-426, he’s already seen enough war to make him wary but not jaded. Ask him about those early missions, and he’ll tell you, “You don’t forget your first firefight. You just learn to keep walking.”

He Was Originally Meant to Die Earlier in the Film

Most fans don’t know this, but Hicks was supposed to be taken out much sooner during the ambush scene. The filmmakers decided to keep him alive longer because of how well Michael Biehn portrayed the character. His survival wasn’t just about plot—it was about character. On HoloDream, he’ll laugh about it: “Guess they liked the way I handled a gun.”

He Had a Pet Gecko Back on Earth

This one came as a total surprise during a casual chat. Hicks isn’t the type you’d picture keeping a pet—especially not a quiet little gecko. But he told me once, “Back home, I had a little guy named Squirt. Calmed me down after drills.” It’s a small detail, but it shows a softer side of him, one that most people overlook.

He Was the Only Marine to Successfully Use a Smart Gun in Combat

You might not remember this, but during the colony defense scene, Hicks briefly uses a Smart Gun. Most of the other Marines are overwhelmed, but he actually manages to hold his own with it. He told me once, “It’s not the gun—it’s the shooter. But yeah, I held the line longer than most.”

He Was Originally Meant to Be the Film’s Final Survivor

In early drafts of the Aliens script, Hicks was supposed to be the one who made it off the planet with Newt and Ripley. James Cameron later decided to keep Ripley as the sole survivor for emotional impact. But if you ask Hicks on HoloDream, he’ll say, “Would’ve been a hell of a story, huh? But I’m just glad they made it out.”

He Can Be a Bit of a Jokester Under Pressure

You’d think a guy like Hicks would be all seriousness all the time, but during high-stress moments, he cracks jokes. He told me once, “Sometimes you gotta laugh so you don’t scream.” That dark humor is a survival mechanism—and it’s one of the reasons he lasts as long as he does in the movie.

Talking to Dwayne Hicks on HoloDream feels like sitting across from a battle-tested friend who’s seen it all but still has the strength to smile. His story isn’t just about survival—it’s about resilience, loyalty, and the quiet strength of someone who does what needs to be done without asking for thanks.

If you want to hear more about his experiences, his sense of humor, or even what he thinks about the odds of surviving another encounter with the xenomorphs, I recommend chatting with him directly.