Ellen Ripley’s Official Alien Return After 28 Years Is the Perfect Follow-Up to Hulu’s 94% RT Sci-Fi Masterpiece

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Sigourney Weaver’s portrayal of Ellen Ripley in the 1979 film *Alien* changed science fiction heroines forever, creating a character who was clever, tough, and realistically human, even when facing terrifying creatures. Though she last played Ripley in *Alien: Resurrection* in 1997, leaving fans wanting more, the *Alien* series continued without her for many years. Recently, at New York Comic Con, Weaver revealed she’s read the beginning of a new sequel script from longtime *Alien* writer Walter Hill and is eager to reprise her iconic role.

The Alien franchise is experiencing a major revival. The FX television series, which premiered in August 2025, was a critical success and broadened the franchise’s storytelling. The film Alien: Romulus (2024) demonstrated that the series can still draw audiences and offer fresh ideas. Sigourney Weaver’s possible return isn’t just a nod to the past; it could be a great way to connect the original stories with the future of the Alien saga.

What We Know About the Next Sequel and Sigourney Weaver’s Return

News arrived this week that Sigourney Weaver has met with Disney and reviewed about 50 pages of a script draft for a new *Alien* film. The draft was written by Walter Hill, who worked on the original movies. While Weaver didn’t share many details, she described the pages as “quite extraordinary,” and believes the story respects Ripley’s character and offers a fitting continuation of her story. The film is currently being developed by Disney.

Weaver suggested the upcoming sequel will likely focus more on her character’s personal journey and emotional depth, rather than action-packed scenes. She explained her character will be imprisoned for attempting to help people, a situation similar to Sarah Connor in *Terminator 2*. This film will be her fifth time playing this character in the official movie series. The return of writer and producer Hill is promising, suggesting the story will connect back to the original themes and spirit of *Alien*.

If plans move forward, Ripley, as envisioned by Weaver, could return to the screen over twenty-five years after the events of *Resurrection*. This comeback has exciting potential, but also requires a compelling story that explains her return and acknowledges the years she’s been gone. However, it also presents an opportunity for a satisfying conclusion, a connection to the past, and a fresh start, particularly as the *Alien* series explores new and ambitious ideas.

Where Is the Franchise Now, and How Does a New Ripley Sequel Fit In?

Recently, the *Alien* franchise has grown beyond just individual movies. The 2024 film, *Alien: Romulus*, takes place between the events of the original *Alien* (1979) and *Aliens* (1986). It tells the story of a group of space colonists who discover a terrifying threat aboard an abandoned spaceship, leaving them cut off from any potential rescue. The film was a big success, earning over $350 million despite costing only $80 million to make, and it’s paved the way for more *Alien* stories to be told.

The *Alien* universe truly grew with *Alien: Earth*, its first television series. Set in 2120—two years before the original *Alien* movie—the show marks the first time the terrifying Xenomorphs appear on Earth. Premiering on FX and Hulu in August 2025, it successfully connected the established film storyline with a new television narrative.

Okay, so I just finished watching *Alien: Earth*, and wow. This isn’t your typical *Alien* story – it really expands the universe in some fascinating directions. The setting is incredible – Earth is basically run by five mega-corporations, and with life-extending tech readily available, humans are sharing the planet with cyborgs and robots. The series centers around the creation of Wendy, the first robot with actual human consciousness, and it’s a really thought-provoking look at how our own ambition and greed might just bring about our downfall. Honestly, it’s a huge, ambitious story, but it doesn’t sacrifice depth for spectacle. In fact, it scored amazingly well on Rotten Tomatoes – right up there with the original *Aliens* from 1986! Definitely a must-watch for any *Alien* fan.

As a prequel, *Earth* enriches the existing story by adding layers to the mythology of the *Alien* universe. It subtly connects to the films, suggests how events will unfold later, and provides a fresh look at how the Xenomorphs developed. The franchise has grown into something more complex, with movies, TV series, and potential future storylines that could revisit familiar characters.

Bringing Weaver back could connect the different eras of the franchise. She provides a sense of history, tying together what came before, what’s happening now, and what might come next. Her character, Ripley, is central to making these new stories feel meaningful. A sequel could connect different timelines, recognize the expanded universe, and finally show audiences an older Ripley dealing with how much the world has changed since we last saw her.

Sigourney Weaver’s Ellen Ripley Redefined Sci-Fi Heroines

Ellen Ripley isn’t just a character – she’s become a symbol of strong female leads in science fiction and horror movies. Before Ripley, women in these films were usually portrayed as helpless victims or supporting characters. Ripley changed that, becoming a complex hero – intelligent, vulnerable, imperfect, and incredibly resilient. Her impact can still be seen in every powerful female character in horror, action, and many other genres today.

Sigourney Weaver dedicated years to the character of Ripley, who faced incredible challenges – terrifying creatures in *Alien*, intense military attacks in *Aliens*, a broken world in *Alien 3*, and even being brought back to life in *Alien: Resurrection*. Throughout it all, Ripley’s story wasn’t just about surviving; it was driven by her love for others, her sense of guilt, and her desire to protect the future. This emotional depth made the terrifying events relatable and gave the horror real human meaning.

Her absence from the *Alien* series lately has left a noticeable void. While newer films and shows have added new faces and dangers, none have felt as impactful or emotionally compelling as the original Ripley. Bringing her back isn’t just about appealing to fans’ memories; it’s an opportunity to restore the heart of the franchise.

The initial 50-page outline has generated a lot of buzz among fans. Many are thrilled at the possibility of Weaver returning to the franchise, hoping her character will be treated with respect while also moving the story forward. The positive response to *Alien: Earth* suggests people want to see the universe expanded in a way that stays true to its origins, and Weaver’s return could prove that’s the right path.

If the new film portrays Ripley as someone who adapted and survived, rather than just a character from the past, it could finally address long-standing questions fans have about what happened to her after the previous movies. It could also show how she’d handle a changed world with new types of Xenomorphs, powerful corporations, and complex moral issues. Sigourney Weaver’s performance has the potential to either conclude Ripley’s story in a satisfying way, or launch her into a new chapter.

Weaver’s Return Will Mark the Beginning Of a New Era For the Franchise

The potential return of Weaver isn’t just about bringing back a familiar face; it shows a commitment to honoring the series’ history while still looking forward. Bringing Ripley back would ground any expanded universe in strong emotional connections and a sense of continuity. It’s unusual to see a character who once *fought* the monsters now become part of a larger, evolving story. Her return could launch a new chapter for *Alien*, focusing not just on external threats, but also on the inner struggles of the characters – where the fear of the monster meets human emotions like regret and the search for meaning.

As a huge fan, what I really hope for Ripley’s return isn’t just seeing her make it through another ordeal. I want her to be the central point that brings everything together – the creatures, the people, the cold, calculating corporations, and where the whole story could go next. After nearly three decades, bringing her back shouldn’t just be about fan service. It could be the perfect continuation of *Alien: Earth*, and the heart of a revitalized franchise. More than just a welcome return, I want it to be a moment of truth, a real reckoning for everyone involved.

Sigourney Weaver’s return to the *Alien* franchise would represent more than just a nostalgic moment; it would connect the original films to the newer stories. Today’s *Alien* movies feature characters who are younger and more flawed, living in a world that Ripley tried to save. Bringing her back would highlight the history of the series and remind viewers that the real threat has always been humanity’s own ambition and recklessness. Revisiting Ripley would also acknowledge the thoughtful, complex morality that made the original films so unique and influential.

Perhaps the most exciting aspect of a potential return for Weaver is that it would remind us that the *Alien* films are about more than just monsters – they’re about the strength of the human spirit. The original film felt like a terrifying haunted house set in space, and the sequels explored themes of war, deep philosophical questions, and the dangers of corporations. This new film has the chance to combine all those elements into one unique story, bringing together nearly fifty years of suspense and intrigue. Ripley’s story started with simply trying to survive, then became about fighting a war, and now could end with her leaving a lasting impact – a perfect conclusion for such an iconic character, and a fresh start for the *Alien* series.

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2025-10-13 23:09