New ‘Alien’ Sequel Gets Promising but Realistic Update from Sigourney Weaver

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In October 2025, Sigourney Weaver surprised fans by sharing that she had reviewed a 50-page outline for a new Alien film from producer Walter Hill. She also revealed she was discussing a potential return to the role of Ellen Ripley, a character she last played in 1997’s Alien: Resurrection. In an interview with Variety, Weaver was asked how she felt about the possibility of rejoining the Alien universe.

We’re moving forward gradually, and things are looking promising. I’m optimistic about this, and I believe our fans will enjoy it, though it’s still in the initial stages.

Although a return to the franchise for Weaver isn’t happening immediately, she reportedly enjoyed the script. Whether she comes back depends on if Disney agrees with her belief that fans would appreciate the direction proposed by the writer, Hill.

Where Does Sigourney Weaver’s Return Fit into the Current ‘Alien’ Plans?


20th Century Studios

Sigourney Weaver’s Ripley last officially appeared in the Alien series in Alien: Resurrection, which was set far in the future, in 2381. That film featured a clone of Ripley after her character’s death in Alien 3. Weaver has mentioned that a new Alien story being developed by director Ridley Scott would focus on Ripley being discredited for revealing the existence of Xenomorphs. This suggests the new film could ignore or rewrite the events of both Alien 3 and Resurrection, potentially placing it closer in time to Aliens. This isn’t the first time the franchise has tried to bring Weaver back while also disregarding those two films from the established timeline.

As a huge fan of the Alien films, I was really excited when I heard Neill Blomkamp – the director of District 9 – was going to make a new Alien movie back in 2015. The best part? It was going to be a direct sequel to Aliens, bringing Sigourney Weaver back as Ripley and completely ignoring the storylines of Alien 3 and Alien: Resurrection! Unfortunately, those plans were scrapped. Instead, Ridley Scott went ahead with Alien: Covenant, which was meant to address issues fans had with his earlier prequel, Prometheus. Ultimately, with Covenant not performing as well as hoped and then Disney buying 20th Century Fox, Blomkamp’s vision was shelved for good, and Disney is now planning their own take on the Alien universe. It’s a shame, because I was really looking forward to seeing what Blomkamp would do!

After Disney bought 20th Century Fox (now 20th Century Studios), the Alien series has seen a resurgence. Alien: Romulus was a success in theaters, and another film is already being planned, moving the story beyond the character of Ellen Ripley. The first season of the highly-rated Alien: Earth finished in fall 2025 and has been picked up for a second season. Discussions are also underway for a new Alien vs. Predator movie, following Predator: Badlands, which would connect to the Alien universe by including the Weyland-Yutani Corporation. Plus, there’s a possibility of a new Alien film focused on Ellen Ripley, potentially starring Sigourney Weaver. It’s clear 20th Century Studios has plenty of ideas for continuing the Alien saga.

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2025-12-07 17:05