Hold onto your seats, Alien fans, because Sigourney Weaver might just be suiting up as Ripley again! But here’s where it gets controversial: after decades of letting the iconic character rest, Weaver has revealed she’s seen the first 50 pages of a new script penned by her longtime friend and collaborator, Walter Hill, and she’s calling it “extraordinary.” Could this be the revival we’ve all been waiting for? Or is it a risky move that might tarnish the legacy of the original? Let’s dive in.
During a captivating panel at New York Comic Con, Weaver shared her thoughts on the potential return of Ripley, a character she famously brought to life in Ridley Scott’s groundbreaking 1979 film. “Walter Hill wrote 50 pages that explore where Ripley would be now, and they’re quite extraordinary,” she told the crowd. “I don’t know if it’s going to happen, but I’ve had meetings with Disney and Fox—or whoever’s in charge now.” She admitted that while she’s never felt the need to revisit the role, this new script feels “true” to Ripley’s character and the societal themes that made the original so powerful. “It’s about a society that would incarcerate someone who’s tried to help mankind,” she explained. “Ripley’s a problem to them, so she’s tucked away. It’s a very strong start, and I’m thinking about working with Walter to see where the story goes.”
And this is the part most people miss: Weaver’s connection to Ripley isn’t just about genre appreciation—it’s about the strength of the story. As an English major, she’s always been drawn to compelling narratives, regardless of genre. “I just read for the story,” she said. “If it’s good, I don’t care what genre it’s in. I’m glad I followed this story.” Her reflections on the original film’s script, which she described as “concise” and reminiscent of 10 Little Indians, highlight why it resonated so deeply. “It was hard to understand the alien at first,” she recalled. “But when Ridley Scott showed me H.R. Giger’s and Carlo Rambaldi’s designs, I realized I’d never seen anything like it in a movie. That cinched the deal.”
Weaver’s casting as Ripley was groundbreaking, but she revealed that not everyone was initially on board. “There was probably some dismay that this unknown actor was going to be the survivor,” she said. “But Walter Hill and David Giler thought no one would expect a woman to be the last one standing. That’s why it worked.” Her improvisation on set, particularly in the film’s iconic final sequence, added to the raw, unpredictable energy that made Alien a classic. “I feel very lucky that my first film was this,” she said. “We never rehearsed, we shot on film, and that free-for-all feeling was perfect for the movie.”
Looking back, Weaver credits Alien with preparing her for a career in film. “I had to learn so much so quickly,” she said. “But I’m amazed it’s such a loved movie. Ridley Scott deserves so much credit—it’s not elegant sci-fi; it’s the real deal.” She also reminisced about the practical sets and the humor of being told not to touch the “real” buttons on the consoles. “It was all very funny,” she added.
Veronica Cartwright, Weaver’s co-star, recalled the film’s humble opening. “There was no premiere,” she said. “I saw it by myself in a theater, and people were leaving during the chest burster scene. Nobody had seen anything like it. We were just a B movie—showed them.”
Weaver also shared her thoughts on the sequels, praising James Cameron’s script for Aliens as “one of the most extraordinary” she’d ever read. Despite initial tensions with the crew, who were loyal to Ridley Scott, Cameron eventually won them over. “He’s a natural,” Weaver said. The sequel earned her an Oscar nomination, a rare feat for a sci-fi film. “Jim created a character and story that were meaningful to people,” she said. “I’m delighted it was embraced by the Academy.”
She also praised Alien 3 director David Fincher, despite the challenges of a rushed production. “I had total confidence in David,” she said. “Fox was smart to keep choosing gifted directors who wanted to do something completely different with the story.”
As for the modern chapters of the franchise, Weaver expressed admiration for Alien: Earth and Romulus. “I see myself in the younger cast,” she said. “It’s a big responsibility, and my heart goes out to them. There’s probably more pressure now, but I’m thrilled to still be working and bonding with younger actors.”
Here’s the big question: Should Ripley’s story continue, or should her legacy remain untouched? Weaver’s advice to younger performers is simple: “Don’t worry so much. It’s going to be fine. Just hit your mark, say the lines, and go for it.” But what do you think? Is a new Alien film with Ripley a welcome addition, or should some classics be left alone? Let’s debate in the comments!
