Hold on to your seats, "Alien" fans! Could we be seeing the return of the legendary Ellen Ripley? Sigourney Weaver, the actress who brought Ripley to life, has dropped a major hint that has the entire sci-fi community buzzing.
Fresh off the heels of the "Alien: Earth" season finale on FX, the "Alien" universe is already making headlines. At New York Comic Con, Weaver, now 76, joined the cast of the new series for a panel discussion. But it was what she revealed off the script that really set the internet on fire: she's been in talks with Disney, the current owners of the "Alien" franchise, about potentially reprising her role as Ripley.
Weaver specifically mentioned being deeply impressed by 50 new script pages penned by producer Walter Hill. "I said I have never felt the need [to return]. I was always like, ‘Let her rest, let her recover,’” Weaver told the audience. "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.” In other words, the story seems to explore the ethical complexities of a society that might punish a hero for their actions – a fascinating premise, right?
But here's where it gets controversial... Some fans argue that Ripley's story reached a satisfying conclusion, and bringing her back would somehow diminish her legacy. Others are clamoring for her return, eager to see what new challenges Ripley might face. Which side are you on?
While Weaver made it clear that nothing is set in stone yet, she did express her interest in collaborating with Hill to explore the possibilities of continuing Ripley's story. The "Avatar: Fire and Ash" star stated she's "thinking about working with Walter to see what the rest of the story would be.”
For those new to the "Alien" saga, Sigourney Weaver first exploded onto the scene in Ridley Scott's 1979 sci-fi horror masterpiece, "Alien." She then solidified her status as an action icon in James Cameron's explosive sequel, "Aliens" (1986), followed by David Fincher's darker "Alien 3" (1992). Her last appearance as Ripley (or rather, a clone of Ripley) was in 1997's "Alien Resurrection," after the character seemingly met her end in "Alien 3."
And this is the part most people miss: Weaver's portrayal of Ripley in "Aliens" earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress – a truly remarkable feat for a role in a science fiction action film, highlighting just how powerful and impactful her performance was. It's a testament to the depth and complexity she brought to the character.
So, what do you think? Should Ripley return to the "Alien" universe? Is it time to let the past be, or are you excited by the prospect of seeing Sigourney Weaver back in action? Do you believe Walter Hill's script could offer a compelling new chapter for Ripley, or would it be better to leave her legacy untouched? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
