To avoid an NC-17 rating and ensure a wider theatrical release, the studio trimmed the most visceral moments of gore and intense physical encounters.
An alternate, longer take exists of Patrick attempting to slide his "alien tongue" into Dr. Laura Baker’s mouth. Behind the Scenes: The Giger Vision
The deleted scenes demonstrate the filmmakers' efforts to flesh out the characters, adding depth and complexity to their stories.
The 1998 sci-fi horror film Species II remains one of the most notoriously chaotic productions of its era. Rushed into production to capitalize on the 1995 original, the sequel dialed up the gore, the sexual themes, and the special effects. However, the version that hit theaters was drastically altered from director Peter Medak’s original vision. species 2 deleted scenes exclusive
When Species II hit theaters on April 10, 1998, it was met with a specific kind of mid-90s sci-fi schlock charm. Directed by Peter Medak (The Ruling Class) and produced by MGM, the sequel to the 1995 cult hit traded Natasha Henstridge’s slow-burn alien seduction for Justin Lazard’s hyper-aggressive, steroid-fueled rampage as the hybrid male, Patrick Ross.
The theatrical birth of Eve’s first alien offspring was trimmed from 90 seconds to 20. Deleted footage includes the creature biting its own umbilical cord , then crawling over a senator’s face – suffocating him on‑screen. Medak intended this to mirror Alien ’s chestburster dread. Test audiences reportedly fainted.
Originally, the film opened with a longer, slower reveal of the astronaut infection scene. A full two minutes showed Patrick Ross’s crewmate slowly morphing – not dying off‑screen, but bursting in zero‑gravity, spraying infected fluid into the ship’s ventilation. The deleted shot of floating blood orbs was cut for “excessive gore,” though it explains why the contagion spread so fast. To avoid an NC-17 rating and ensure a
The original opening was a masterclass in body horror. After absorbing the DNA, Ross doesn't just pass out. He enters a "hibernation cocoon" made of Martian silica and his own desiccated skin. Medak shot a full two minutes of the cocoon pulsating with visible fetal alien shapes.
For years, these scenes existed only in horror magazine descriptions and behind-the-scenes production stills. Fortunately, boutique physical media distributors have done the preservation work.
One of the most notable deleted scenes involves the antagonist, Patrick Ross (Justin Lazard), after he picks up a woman at a club. Behind the Scenes: The Giger Vision The deleted
For twenty-five years, the legend of the "lost hour" of Species II has circulated on dusty VHS trading forums and laser disc commentary tracks. Today, in this exclusive report, we have obtained the original shooting script and production notes detailing the that were cut before the final release.
The "Unrated" or "Special Edition" releases of Species II remain the primary way to view this footage. In many editions, these scenes are either reintegrated into the film or presented as a standalone gallery with commentary from the production crew.
A flashback scene revealed the characters Thomas (played by Tim Daly) and Larabee's (played by Forest Whitaker) past experiences with the alien threat. This addition would have enhanced the audience's understanding of their characters and their actions throughout the film.