Sigourney Weaver has sparked excitement among fans by revealing she recently had a discussion with Disney about the possibility of reprising her iconic role as Ellen Ripley in the Alien franchise. Speaking at a panel during New York Comic Con on October 10, Weaver noted that she had read a compelling script from series producer/writer Walter Hill, who has crafted a detailed vision for Ripley’s future.
Weaver emphasized Hill’s talent, stating, “You know, Walter Hill is a very good friend of mine and he wrote 50 pages of where Ripley would be now and they are quite extraordinary.” While she expressed uncertainty about the project coming to fruition, Weaver acknowledged the evolving nature of her character and hinted that Ripley’s journey could explore themes of societal struggle and personal recovery, as she described how Ripley is portrayed as a problem to the very society she aimed to help.
Since making a significant impact in the original 1979 film directed by Ridley Scott, Weaver’s character has become a monumental figure not only in horror cinema but also in the broader cultural landscape, leading her through three sequels. Although she last portrayed Ripley in 1997’s Alien: Resurrection, there was a past proposal from director Neil Blomkamp for a sequel that ultimately did not come to light.
Weaver also shared her enthusiasm about collaborating with Hill to further develop the story. “I think it’s a very strong first 50 pages. I’m thinking about working with Walter to see what the rest of the story would be,” she said.
Despite a potential shift in Ripley’s narrative, Weaver assures fans that the essence of horror remains intact, suggesting that while the story may take a different direction, “the Alien does show up, inevitable.” This hints at a fresh take on the iconic franchise that promises to balance character depth with spine-tingling suspense.
While Alien enthusiasts eagerly await news of Weaver’s potential return, she will soon be seen in the anticipated sequel Avatar: Fire and Ash, set to release on December 19. This news not only gives fans hope for the beloved franchise but also highlights Weaver’s enduring legacy and versatility as a performer.