20th Century Studios
Given the present climate where franchises dominate the film industry, it’s unusual for an actor to demand their character’s demise. However, this is precisely what legendary actress Sigourney Weaver did when filming “Alien 3” in 1992. She believed that her character, the resilient and resourceful space trucker turned Xenomorph exterminator, Ellen Ripley, had faced enough adversity. Despite this, she reversed her decision five years later for “Alien: Resurrection,” intrigued by the prospect of portraying not the familiar Ripley, but a unique hybrid of alien and human with its own distinct traits and personality.
As the “Alien” series charts a new path with “Alien: Romulus” and Weaver ventures into other galaxies, it appears that we may have seen the last of Ripley. However, journalists continue to ask if Weaver would reprise her most famous role if given the chance. Weaver, while not entirely dismissing the possibility of a Ripley comeback, doesn’t seem overly hopeful.
Weaver’s Condition for Reprising Ripley
20th Century Studios
Despite rampant speculation before the release of “Romulus,” the film wisely avoided drawing a direct connection between its young protagonist, Rain, and the matriarch of the “Alien” series. Given the timeline of “Romulus” within the “Alien” universe, it would require significant narrative gymnastics for director Fede Álvarez to have Ripley awake and active by the time the planned sequel begins. This would likely not satisfy the stringent condition Weaver has set for Ripley’s return.
As Weaver stated in a recent interview with Deadline, “I feel like she’s never far away from me, but on the other hand, I have yet to read a script that said, ‘You have got to do this.'” She added that while a Ripley comeback is “not completely impossible,” the larger question is whether the public really needs or wants another Ripley movie.
While some fans might argue that the “Alien” series shouldn’t continue without Ripley, it seems that Weaver has made peace with the idea of Ripley’s retirement. After all, if Ripley can return (in a sense) after sacrificing herself in “Alien 3,” who’s to say we’ll never see her again? However, it’s more likely that we won’t, and that’s okay. Let’s allow Ripley to rest. In the meantime, you can get your Xenomorph fix by watching “Alien: Romulus” in theaters.
FAQs
Q: Will Sigourney Weaver return as Ellen Ripley in the Alien franchise?
A: Sigourney Weaver has not ruled out the possibility of reprising her role as Ripley, but she has stated that it would require a compelling reason and script for her to consider it.
Q: What is the condition for Weaver’s return as Ripley?
A: Weaver has stated that she would need to read a script that convinces her that reprising the role is necessary and beneficial to the franchise.
Q: What is the latest Alien movie?
A: The latest movie in the Alien franchise is “Alien: Romulus.”
Credit: www.slashfilm.com
