Ellen Ripley's Return? Sigourney Weaver Teases New Alien Movie
The iconic star of the Alien saga has dropped a major hint about her character's future. A new story is in the works that could see her back in action, but the details are still under wraps. What could possibly bring the legendary hero out of retirement for one more fight?
While making the rounds for her role in Avatar: Fire & Ash, Sigourney Weaver dropped hints that a return to the world of Pandora might not be her only trip back to a famous sci-fi universe. The actress, who famously portrayed Ellen Ripley in four Alien films, provided an update on a confidential script she first mentioned back in October. This new project could see her once again battling facehuggers and launching their offspring into the cold vacuum of space. However, fans shouldn't hold their breath just yet, as the process is moving at a deliberate pace.
A Cautiously Optimistic Update
“You know, we’re just taking it one step at a time,” Weaver shared with Variety. Despite the slow development, her enthusiasm was clear. “It is very interesting. I hope we do it, because I think it will be wonderful. I think the fans will enjoy it, but it’s very early days.” This confirms that while the idea is gaining traction, it's far from a greenlit production.
A New Story for an Old Hero
The script in question comes from a key figure in the franchise's history: producer Walter Hill. Weaver previously disclosed that Hill had penned a 50-page treatment that would pull Ripley back into the fray. The premise involves her character being imprisoned for the very actions she took to protect humanity from the xenomorph threat.
“I said I have never felt the need. I was always like, ‘Let her rest, let her recover.’ But what Walter has written seems so true to me as very much about the society that would incarcerate someone who has tried to help mankind,” she explained. “She’s a problem to them, so she’s sort of tucked away. Anyway, I think it’s a very strong first 50 pages, and I’m thinking about working with Walter to see what the rest of the story would be.”
The Perfect Time for a Comeback?
This potential return comes at a time when the Alien universe is experiencing a major resurgence. The franchise is arguably in its strongest position in years, bolstered by the success of the recent big-screen feature Alien: Romulus and Noah Hawley’s highly anticipated television series, Alien: Earth. Adding to the excitement is the crossover potential with the Predator series, further expanded by Predator: Badlands. With so much momentum, it seems like the perfect moment to bring the original queen of the franchise back for another terrifying showdown.