[Joe Moore]

With a movie like Alien, there wasn't really a need to include likeness rights for merchandising. That concept was only just being explored at the time (thanks to Star Wars). The thought of making toys was explored and ultimately shelved (with those designs becoming the first ReAction figures). It's only in hindsight now that those types of contracts would have been useful for these properties.

Now, to make new collectibles based on an actor likeness from an old property, toy companies need to seek them out and negotiate with each of them individually. A lot of movies and TV shows now have that legwork done by the studios.