Actor Sigourney Weaver has opened up about the idea of returning as Ellen Ripley in the Alien franchise, saying she’s “very happy” doing what she’s doing and believes her time in space is done.
In a recent interview with Total Film Magazine (via GamesRadar), Weaver discussed one of the most iconic roles of her career, Ellen Ripley, who first appeared in the 1979 sci-fi horror film Alien by director Ridley Scott. When talking about the possibility of ever coming back to reprise the role once again, Weaver explained she wouldn’t, adding that she previously wanted to come back in Neill Blomkamp’s Alien film, before it was canceled.
“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 said. “I’m very happy doing what I’m doing. I put in my time in space!”
Weaver went on to appear in three more films in the franchise, including Aliens in 1986, Alien 3 in 1992, and Alien: Resurrection in 1997. The franchise has gone on to expand, with Scott directing a prequel series, featuring Prometheus and Alien: Covenant. An Alien TV series for FX is also set to begin filming this year. Blomkamp’s film was originally supposed to be a direct sequel to Aliens but it was canceled in 2018.
“I think Ridley [Scott] has a lot to do with [the longevity of Ellen Ripley and Alien],” Weaver continued. “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.”
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