Imagine a beloved icon like Ellen Ripley, the ultimate survivor from the Alien saga, potentially making a triumphant return—could this be the revival fans have been craving? Fans of the sci-fi horror classic might not know this, but Sigourney Weaver, the actress who brought the fierce Ripley to life, is reigniting hopes for her character's comeback in a fresh way. And here's where it gets exciting: It's all thanks to an unfinished script that's got everyone talking.
To be honest, my own passion for the relentless Xenomorph creatures—those terrifying aliens from the franchise—has faded a bit over the years. I gave Noah Hawley's TV series 'Alien: Earth' a shot, but after just a few episodes, I had to stop. Honestly, nothing has really captured my imagination since the quirky and wild 1997 film 'Alien: Resurrection.' But the good news? There's renewed optimism for those of us who feel the series has lost its spark.
During the 2025 New York Comic Con's 'Alien' reunion panel, as reported by Entertainment Weekly, Sigourney Weaver shared that her time embodying Ripley might not be done after all. What's more, if she does reprise the role, it would stem from a promising yet incomplete screenplay crafted by the talented Walter Hill. For beginners curious about the Alien universe, Ripley is the iconic space colonist-turned-warrior who battles deadly extraterrestrial beings in a series of films starting with the original 1979 movie directed by Ridley Scott. She's a symbol of resilience, fighting not just monsters, but also the flaws of humanity and society.
Weaver disclosed that Hill has penned about 50 pages of a script that picks up right after 'Alien: Resurrection,' and it's incredibly compelling. Since Hill is a close personal friend of hers, Weaver is open to stepping back into the Alien world if the screenplay gets finished and approved. In fact, she's already met with the studio—whether it's Fox, Disney, or whoever's in charge these days—to discuss the project. As the legendary actress put it:
"I've never felt the need to reprise the role. I was always like, 'Let her rest! Let her recover!' But what Walter has written is so ... First of all, seems so true to me. It's very much about the society that would incarcerate someone who has tried to help mankind, but she's a problem to them, so she's tucked away. I'm thinking about working with Walter to see what the rest of the story would be. It would be a very different kind of 'Alien' with a really good script. Scary."
This concept dives deep into themes that might feel familiar yet fresh, exploring how a hero like Ripley could be shunned by the very civilization she saved. And this is the part most people miss: It could redefine the franchise by focusing on Ripley's later life, perhaps in a world that's moved on without her, adding layers of social commentary that make the horror even more impactful.
Sigourney Weaver and Walter Hill's potential Alien project has the power to draw in fans from all generations. You probably know Sigourney Weaver starred in the first four Alien films, making Ripley a cornerstone of the series. But for those new to this, Walter Hill is a key figure behind the franchise's origins. He not only produced the initial three movies but also co-wrote 'Alien 3' and contributed uncredited rewrites to the 1979 original. Some might argue he's been as instrumental to the franchise's enduring success as Ridley Scott himself. If anyone can make Ripley's comeback feel authentic and badass, it's likely Hill.
Hill's reputation as a classic action and Western director shines through in his work on films like 'Southern Comfort,' a tense thriller about soldiers in the bayou, or 'Red Heat,' a buddy-cop action flick with Arnold Schwarzenegger. There are also his cult favorites like 'Streets of Fire,' a stylish neo-noir musical, and bigger box-office hits such as '48 Hours' and its sequel. This background could bring a gritty, old-school vibe to a new Alien entry, blending intense action with character-driven storytelling. Granted, at 83 years old, he's probably not directing it, but his insight as a writer and producer could infuse the project with his signature style. Paired with Weaver's undeniable talent and her deep connection to Ripley, this collaboration might breathe new life into the series, attracting both longtime devotees and younger audiences eager for a top-notch, perhaps even retro-inspired, take on the Xenomorph menace. No doubt about it: With these two legends involved, I'd be first in line for that film, and I bet millions would too.
But here's where it gets controversial—should a franchise like Alien evolve by bringing back its most famous character, risking comparisons to past glory, or is it time to let newer stories and heroes take center stage without Ripley? Some fans might argue that Ripley's arc has been complete since 'Alien: Resurrection,' and forcing a reunion could feel forced or even disrespectful to the character's journey. Others believe her return is essential to anchor the universe in familiar territory. What do you think? Does reviving Ripley sound like a thrilling idea, or should the franchise forge ahead without her? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you agree with Weaver's enthusiasm, or do you have a counterpoint about how the Alien series should progress?
