Species 2 Deleted Scenes (2025)
Rating: 7/10 (for the scenes themselves) | 4/10 (for the DVD/Blu-ray presentation)
The Good: These deleted scenes prove that
The Cutting Room Floor: Exploring the Deleted Scenes of Species II
While Species II (1998) is often remembered for its extreme gore and commitment to H.R. Giger’s visceral aesthetic, several key moments never made it to the theatrical cut. For fans of the franchise, these deleted scenes—many of which have surfaced on DVD and 4K UHD collector’s editions—offer a glimpse into an even more explicit and dark vision for the sequel. Key Deleted Scenes
The following scenes were removed or shortened to manage the film's pace and intensity:
Patrick’s Club Pickup: One of the most significant cuts involves the character Patrick Ross picking up a girl at a club. In the deleted footage, he returns to her apartment only to discover she is transsexual; he subsequently kills her.
Extended Debutante Encounter: The infamous hotel suite scene where Patrick interacts with a debutante and her friend was originally intended to be longer and more sexually explicit.
The Strip Club Dance: A longer version of the dance sequence in the strip club exists, which provided more atmosphere before Patrick’s predatory instincts took over.
The "Tongue" Attack: An alternate take features a more prolonged and graphic version of Patrick attempting to slide his alien "tongue" into Dr. Laura Baker’s mouth. Special Effects & Unseen Footage species 2 deleted scenes
Much of the cut content was centered around the film's heavy use of practical effects from Steve Johnson’s X Effects team.
"Additional Unseen Footage": Various home media releases, including the 88 Films Blu-ray, include a compilation titled "Additional Unseen Footage," which consists of special effects outtakes and behind-the-scenes gore shots that were deemed too intense for the R-rating.
Fast-Forward Pregnancies: Screenwriter Chris Brancato originally scripted more elaborate "fast-forward" pregnancy sequences, some involving grotesque tentacles emerging from victims' bellies, which were either simplified or cut during production. Availability
For those looking to view these scenes, they are most commonly found on:
Scream Factory 4K UHD Collector’s Edition: This 2024 restoration includes the most comprehensive set of special features and deleted footage available.
Species Trilogy DVD Box Set: Contains an "Explicit Unrated Version" of the film that incorporates some of the cut sexual and violent content. Creature Creations: the Effects of Species II
Here is the heartbreaking answer for collectors: No official release contains the Species 2 deleted scenes.
The holy grail is a rumored workprint that leaked on a private horror tracker in 2007. Described by those who claim to have seen it as “a fourth-generation VHS rip, time-coded and muddy,” it allegedly contains most of the missing footage, albeit with unfinished effects (green screens visible, Ross’s monster form portrayed by a man in a partial suit). This workprint has never surfaced publicly. It is the Cannibal Holocaust of lost '90s horror—frequently cited, never seen. Rating: 7/10 (for the scenes themselves) | 4/10
Original context: During the sequence where Ross (now Patient Zero of the alien-hybrid virus) seduces and kills multiple women, this scene was shot but cut for extreme content.
INT. MOTEL ROOM – NIGHT (UNCENSORED WORKPRINT – NEVER RATED)
Ross lies next to an unnamed woman (actress uncredited, credited as “Jane Doe #4”). She is asleep. Ross is not. His chest splits open – not violently, but delicately, like a flower blooming in reverse. A thin, tendril-like proboscis extends from his sternum. It hovers over the woman’s mouth.
CLOSE ON: Her lips part in sleep. The proboscis enters. She does not wake.
We see her skin ripple. Something moves beneath it – alien DNA rewriting her from the inside. Ross whispers: “You’ll dream of stars. And then you’ll dream of nothing.”
SMASH CUT TO: Next morning. The woman wakes, dresses, leaves. She smiles at the front desk clerk. Her eyes are normal. Her hand on the door handle – five fingers, but the ring finger twitches independently, like a second thumb.
TITLE CARD: “Three days later – Washington, D.C.”
News footage (stock) shows a mysterious seizure event at a Metro station. Seven people collapse simultaneously. Their pupils: vertical slits. The holy grail is a rumored workprint that
Reason for deletion: Producer Frank Mancuso Jr. deemed the proboscis scene “too parasitic and not enough like Alien.” The notion of a silent, asymptomatic spread was replaced with Ross’s more straightforward violent killings.
For fans interested in seeing deleted scenes, there are several avenues:
Uncovering the Cut: A Deep Dive into Species 2 Deleted Scenes
Species 2, the 1998 sci-fi horror film directed by Peter Medak, was a sequel to the moderately successful 1995 original, Species. The film took a different approach from its predecessor, incorporating more action and thriller elements into the plot. Despite receiving mixed reviews, Species 2 developed a loyal fan base over the years. One aspect of the film that fascinates fans and completists alike is the deleted scenes. These cut moments provide insight into the film's development, character arcs, and the overall vision of the filmmakers.
A significant deleted scene focuses on Dr. Alban, a character who becomes involved with the protagonists in their quest to understand and stop Gen. This scene elaborates on Dr. Alban's background, showcasing his expertise and motivations. By including this scene, the audience would gain a deeper understanding of his role in the story and his interactions with the main characters, potentially enhancing the film's tension and character dynamics.
The ending of the film differs slightly between the R-rated and Unrated cuts. In the theatrical version, the explosion that kills the creature is somewhat standard action-movie fare.
In the unrated version, the death of the male hybrid is more graphic. When the ambulance explodes, the footage lingers on the destruction of the creature. The practical effects team built a detailed model for this demise, and the deleted scenes show the alien burning and disintegrating, providing a more definitive and visually horrifying end to the antagonist.
Deleted scenes for Species II have circulated among fans in low-quality bootlegs and occasionally as extras on later DVD/Blu-ray releases, depending on region and edition. Check special edition releases or archival bonus features for the most complete restorations.
The preservation and accessibility of these deleted scenes are crucial for both historical and entertainment purposes. Over the years, some of these scenes have been included in DVD releases and digital platforms, allowing fans to explore the extended universe of Species 2. However, the availability of these scenes can vary, with some being lost to time or only surfacing through fan communities.