Sigourney Weaver’s role as Ellen Ripley in the Alien series is one of her most iconic roles throughout her storied career. However, Weaver has put that character behind her and says she’s done with the Alien series moving forward.
Speaking to Total Film magazine, Weaver revealed that younger actors are now set to take on similar roles and that there was an Alien film she wanted to do with director Neill Blomkamp, but it ended up not working out. As it stands now, though, Weaver says the “ship has sailed” for another return to Ripley.
“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,” Sigourney Weaver said. “I’m very happy doing what I’m doing. I put in my time in space!”
Weaver went on to praise director Ridley Scott, who she credits as helping keep up the longevity of Ripley due to how they didn’t make her character helpless just because she was a woman.
“I think Ridley [Scott] has a lot to do with [the longevity of Ellen Ripley and Alien],” said Weaver. “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.”
