Sigourney Weaver Is Done As Ellen Ripley In Alien Franchise

Before exploring the watery depths of Pandora, Sigourney Weaver traversed through endless space torching Xenomorphs with her flamethrower. But it’s a role she is finally putting to rest.

Weaver created a significant impact by portraying the character of Ellen Ripley in Ridley Scott’s 1979 blockbuster hit Alien. She continued playing the same role in the following sequels, Aliens, Alien 3, and Alien Resurrection. While it’s common for actors to revisit their legendary characters in reboots/sequels, Weaver is not keen on reprising her role as Ripley.

Weaver has affirmed in a recent interview with Total Film magazine that she has concluded her association with the Alien series and is content to let go of her famous character, especially after the cancellation of Neill Blomkamp’s Alien 5. Weaver had been an ardent supporter of this project from the beginning.

“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,” Weaver elaborated. “I’m very happy doing what I’m doing. I put in my time in space!”

Weaver also took the time to pay kudos to Ridley Scott in cultivating the role of Ellen Ripley –

“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.”

While the iconic role of Ripley played by Weaver might be on the back burner for the time being, the franchise is far from dead. A standalone Alien movie from Evil Dead director Fede Alvarez on the way and the games have done well to maintain the franchise’s appeal.

Gerald

Gerald currently straddles between his love of video games and board gaming. There’s nothing that interests him more than trying out the newest and fanciest gadget in town as well. He dreams of publishing a board game sometime in the future!