No. In fact, the original script had them as full characters in the film. Alien 3 & 4 would be shot together, and would be two halves of a single story involving a human rebellion against the Weyland-Yutani corporation. Hicks and Bishop would be the main focus for the third film, and Ripley would be the main focus for the fourth film. Apparently it was going for an "epic" feel before that was a trend in Hollywood. Then the head of Fox studios got wind of their plan and shit all over it.Did the original concept have Newt and Hicks die an ignominious death in the opening scenes? Because if it did then you and I will be in disagreement that the original concepts were good.