The Two Different Unmade Versions of Alien 5 & Ripley’s Return Get Updates From Sigourney Weaver

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Both the Alien and Predator series are gaining popularity again, and fans are curious about future installments. While both franchises have explored new directions, many still want to see stories that connect to the original films. Director Dan Trachtenberg has talked with Arnold Schwarzenegger about a potential return for him in a new Predator movie. And after one previous attempt, there are now new discussions about bringing Sigourney Weaver back to the Alien universe. Although no projects have been officially confirmed, Weaver is publicly talking about the possibilities.

Following a screening of Alien at the Cinémathèque Française in Paris, Sigourney Weaver led a discussion where she revealed details about abandoned Alien projects. She specifically mentioned a planned sequel from Neill Blomkamp that would have altered the storyline of Alien 3. According to Weaver, Ridley Scott later decided to strongly control the franchise with his own prequel films, which ultimately killed Blomkamp’s project. She expressed disappointment, noting that Blomkamp, a very talented director, eventually stopped pursuing the idea.

Sigourney Weaver then discussed Walter Hill’s concept for a new Alien film featuring an older version of her character, Ripley. She mentioned Hill had already written around 50 pages, and possibly more. While she hadn’t previously been interested in revisiting the series, she found the idea of Ripley being marginalized by modern society – after being in stasis for roughly 200 years – compelling, especially with the implication that the original threats still exist. Weaver said she’s waiting to see the full script and believes it would tell a very different kind of story.

If Ripley Returns, Alien Should Take Cues From Predator

The idea of Sigourney Weaver reprising her role as Ripley in a new Alien film is thrilling, but also carries some risk. Franchises often rely too much on pleasing fans with familiar elements instead of innovating, and Alien has recently fallen into this pattern. Romulus had some questionable choices, from an odd reference to Aliens to the controversial use of CGI to recreate Ian Holm. If Ripley does return, the Alien series should learn from the successes of other shared universes and focus on strong execution.

Director Shane Black revitalized the Predator series by taking creative risks and trying new approaches. He started by introducing a Comanche warrior as a protagonist and then created an animated anthology exploring the Predator universe across different eras. Now, with Predator: Badlands, he’s done something truly groundbreaking: making a Predator the main character. The film’s success – breaking box office records and earning positive reviews – proves audiences appreciate a fresh take on familiar stories. Black’s Predator films have been so well-received because they feel innovative and exciting.

It’s promising to hear that Sigourney Weaver’s possible return to the Alien franchise wouldn’t simply repeat familiar storylines. As Weaver explains, the new film would explore a “very different kind of story,” which is essential for keeping these classic franchises fresh and engaging after so many years. Fans have already seen Ripley battle xenomorphs and navigate the spaceship’s vents. Continuing her story much later in life, with new struggles and challenges, would make the new movie feel unique. It would also allow Weaver to showcase her acting range – she received an Oscar nomination for Aliens and is clearly capable of leading a more character-focused film.

It’s good to hear Sigourney Weaver isn’t rushing into a return to the Alien franchise. She wants to be sure the script by Fede Álvarez is strong before committing, which shows she prioritizes the quality of the film. It would be disappointing if her long-awaited comeback was in a movie that didn’t live up to expectations. The Alien series is currently doing well, and should continue building on that success. The fact that she enjoyed the first 50 pages is a positive sign, and hopefully the rest of the script impresses her too. This could even open the door for exciting possibilities, like a crossover featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Dutch from Predator teaming up with Ripley.

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2025-11-11 20:12