Hold onto your seats, sci-fi fans—Sigourney Weaver just dropped a bombshell that could reignite the Alien franchise. Imagine Ripley, the iconic survivor of the xenomorph nightmare, returning to the big screen after decades of speculation. During a New York Comic Con panel, Weaver casually revealed that Walter Hill, a producer from the original film and a franchise stalwart, has penned a sequel script—and she’s already read the first 50 pages. Disney has confirmed the project is in development, but here’s where it gets intriguing: Weaver isn’t just playing coy; she’s genuinely considering it.
“Walter Hill is a very dear friend, and what he’s written feels so authentic,” Weaver shared with the NYCC crowd. “It’s not just about Ripley’s survival; it’s a commentary on a society that would marginalize someone who’s fought to protect humanity.” But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this a story that needs to be told, or should Ripley’s legacy remain untouched? Weaver herself admitted she once felt the character deserved rest, but Hill’s script has her rethinking everything.
The first 50 pages, she says, are “extraordinary,” painting a picture of Ripley as a woman tucked away by a society that sees her as a problem. Weaver is now contemplating collaborating with Hill to flesh out the rest of the story. And this is the part most people miss: Ripley’s return isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about redefining her role in a modern narrative.
Weaver last voiced Ripley in the 2014 video game Alien: Isolation, and her most recent film portrayal was in 1997’s Alien: Resurrection as a clone. Her journey began with Ridley Scott’s groundbreaking 1979 film, continued in James Cameron’s Aliens (1986), which earned her an Oscar nomination, and culminated in David Fincher’s Alien 3 (1992). Over the years, attempts to revive Ripley have been made, most notably by Neill Blomkamp, who worked with Weaver on Chappie in 2015.
Walter Hill, whose last film was 2022’s Dead for a Dollar, is no stranger to crafting compelling narratives. His credits include classics like 48 Hrs., Streets of Fire, and Last Man Standing. But will his vision for Ripley’s future resonate with fans? Is this a bold new chapter or a risky gamble?
As the Alien fandom buzzes with excitement and skepticism, one thing is clear: Ripley’s story might not be over yet. But the question remains—should it be? Let us know in the comments: Are you ready for Ripley’s return, or do you think some legends are better left undisturbed?
