Sigourney Weaver has offered another cautious but notable update on the long-discussed possibility of returning as Ellen Ripley, the character that defined much of her early career and remains central to the Alien franchise’s legacy. While promoting Avatar: Fire & Ash, Weaver told Variety that conversations around a new Ripley project are progressing, even if the idea is still in its formative stages. Her comments were measured, stressing that nothing is guaranteed, but she acknowledged genuine interest in the direction of the script. “We’re just taking it one step at a time,” she said. “It is very interesting. I hope we do it, because I think it will be wonderful. I think the fans will enjoy it, but it’s very early days.”
The project in question is the same one Weaver referenced in October — a 50-page draft written by longtime Alien producer Walter Hill. The story reportedly imagines Ripley once again drawn into conflict with the xenomorph threat, this time after being imprisoned by a society that misinterprets her efforts to protect humanity as a form of danger. Weaver has previously said she never felt a strong need to revisit Ripley, but Hill’s script appears to have shifted her perspective. She described the material as thematically relevant, focusing on how institutions treat individuals who challenge established norms. According to Weaver, the early pages feel grounded in the world she inhabited across the first four films, prompting her to consider working with Hill on completing the story.
Discussions about Ripley’s return come at a moment when the Alien franchise is experiencing renewed stability after years of uneven output. The recent film Alien: Romulus earned solid attention for its back-to-basics approach, and Noah Hawley’s television series Alien: Earth has drawn interest for expanding the universe in a more character-driven direction. Meanwhile, the Predator side of the broader universe has gained momentum with Predator: Badlands, raising the possibility of additional crossover appeal. With multiple projects demonstrating that the franchise can adapt to modern expectations, the notion of reintroducing Ripley feels less like a nostalgic gamble and more like a calculated extension of a universe that already has several active storylines.
Still, Weaver’s tone suggests that any return would require a script that justifies Ripley’s reappearance beyond simple fan service. Her comments indicate respect for the character’s prior arc and a desire to avoid revisiting Ripley without a clear thematic purpose. Whether Hill’s developing script will evolve into a full production remains uncertain, but the fact that Weaver is publicly acknowledging the project — and expressing cautious interest — signals that discussions are further along than previous rumours.
If Ripley does return, it would mark one of the franchise’s most significant reentries in decades. For now, Weaver appears content to explore the idea without committing, reminding fans that development in the Alien universe often moves slowly, even when the enthusiasm is strong.
