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Sigourney Weaver Gives Update on Potential Alien Return

Sigourney Weaver has confirmed she is in early discussions to reprise her role as Ellen Ripley in a new Alien movie based on a treatment by franchise producer Walter Hill. While expressing enthusiasm for the project, Weaver emphasized that the development is in its very early stages, with the final decision resting with Disney.

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Sigourney Weaver Gives Update on Potential Alien Return
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Sigourney Weaver Gives Update on Potential Alien Return

Sigourney Weaver has provided a promising yet realistic update on the potential for a new Alien film that would see her return as the iconic Ellen Ripley. The actress revealed in an interview that she has read a 50-page treatment by franchise producer Walter Hill and is in talks to reprise her role, marking a possible return to the character for the first time since 1997’s Alien: Resurrection.

Weaver’s Cautious Optimism

When asked about her excitement, Weaver told Variety, “We’re just taking it one step at a time. It is very interesting, and I really hope we do it. I think the fans will like it, but it’s very early days.” Her comments indicate that while she is personally invested in the project, its progression is still tentative and ultimately depends on approval from Disney, which now oversees the franchise through 20th Century Studios.

Project Details and Franchise Context

Walter Hill’s proposed story is reported to involve Ripley being silenced for speaking out about the existence of Xenomorphs. This narrative suggests the film could potentially retcon the events of Alien 3 and Alien: Resurrection, placing it closer to the timeline of Aliens. This is not the first attempt to bring Weaver back while revising the series’ continuity; a similar project from director Neill Blomkamp was shelved in 2015 in favor of Ridley Scott’s Alien: Covenant.

A Thriving Alien Universe

The potential Ripley project arrives as the Alien franchise is experiencing a significant resurgence under Disney’s ownership. Recent successes include:

  • The box office hit Alien: Romulus, which is already set for a sequel.
  • The critically acclaimed series Alien: Earth, renewed for a second season.
  • Talks of a new Alien vs. Predator movie following Predator: Badlands. This demonstrates that 20th Century Studios is actively exploring multiple avenues to expand the beloved sci-fi universe.

More on What’s After the Movie

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