Sigourney Weavermade her name as Ellen Ripley, when she starred inRidley Scott’s terrifying and groundbreakingAlienin 1977, going on to reprise the iconic role in the subsequent sequels,Aliens,Alien 3,andAlien Resurrection.And although nostalgia has been the flavour of the day, with veteran stars returning to their roots for one final goodbye, a return to the franchise isn’t something Weaver is particularly keen in.
Weaver earned herself a first Oscar nomination for her return in the role inAliens, which sawJames Cameron- with whom she would go on to work much more in future - take over the franchise and transition it from a quiet, psychological-style horror film into an all-out war between marines and Xenomorphs.The film saw Ripley as the sole survivor of the alien attack on her ship.
What Did She Have to Say About A Potential Return toAlien?
Admitting there was a time when she considered returning, in a proposed sequel - to be directed byNeill Blomkamp- which was originally announced in 2015, and tentatively scheduled for release in 2017,the project never got off the grounddespite initial enthusiasm for it, and Weaver’s window closed.She’s been speaking to Total Filmlately about her acting legacy and, while grateful for the opportunity to play Ripley, admits the time has come to close the door on the character:
There are all kinds of younger actors taking this kind of role. And there was an Alien [film] that I really wanted to do with Neill Blomkamp and we didn’t get to do that, but, you know, that ship has sailed. ’m very happy doing what I’m doing. I put in my time in space!
I think Ridley Scott has a lot to do with the longevity of Ellen Ripley and Alien.They made Ripley a woman, without making her this helpless creature. Because I think I was very lucky. These were men who were creating this woman character, but they liked and respected strong women.
RELATED:Cast, Plot, and Everything Else We Know About Fede Álvarez’s ‘Alien 9’Weaver may be done with her time in space, but her work on other franchises continues.She will continue to appear as Kiri, the Na’vi with a mysterious link toWeaver’s original character, Dr Grace Augustine, in the upcomingAvatar 3next year, and also reprised her role as Dana Barrett in 2021’sGhostbusters: Afterlife, the sequel to which is currently being filmed in Manhattan.
