Sigourney Weaver, the legendary actress best known for her iconic role as Ellen Ripley in the Alien franchise, has finally opened up about one of the most groundbreaking and influential roles in cinematic history. At 75 years old, Weaver is reflecting on her decades-long career, and in a revealing new interview, she’s sharing the untold truths about her experience with Alien—and what really went on behind the scenes.
Weaver’s portrayal of Ripley was revolutionary in the world of science fiction, breaking boundaries for women in film and leaving an indelible mark on pop culture. But in this candid moment, Sigourney admits that there was far more going on behind the scenes than what fans ever knew.
For years, rumors have swirled about how Alien was created and what inspired Weaver’s unforgettable performance. Now, for the first time, Sigourney reveals the full extent of her involvement and the unique challenges she faced during filming. “It wasn’t just about acting,” Weaver shared. “It was about constantly pushing the limits of what was possible. We didn’t know if we were going to make it through the shoot—it was that intense. The fear, the tension—it was real, but it was the only way we could create something that truly felt alive.”
The most shocking revelation? Sigourney reveals that the iconic scene where Ripley faces off with the Xenomorph wasn’t as scripted as fans thought. “That moment was totally improvised. Ridley Scott [the director] told me to just go with it, to trust my instincts and let the fear take over,” she confessed. “It wasn’t acting in the traditional sense. It was me really confronting my own terror.”
She also opened up about the physical and emotional toll the role took on her. “I was in the suit for hours on end, crawling through narrow spaces and battling the alien. It was grueling, but it was worth every second. What we captured on film wasn’t just a battle for survival—it was a battle for humanity.”
As Sigourney looks back on Alien and its lasting legacy, she also shares her thoughts on Ripley’s enduring impact on women in cinema. “I never set out to be a feminist icon. Ripley was just a woman doing what she had to do to survive, but I’m proud of how the character has resonated with so many people over the years. Ripley proved that strength doesn’t always have to come in the form of physical power. It’s about resilience, intelligence, and the will to fight for what’s right.”
Now, decades after the original film’s release, Sigourney Weaver’s reflections on Alien offer a fresh and deeply personal insight into what went into creating one of the most beloved sci-fi characters of all time. With this new revelation, fans are getting a glimpse of the true behind-the-scenes journey that brought Ripley—and the Alien franchise—to life in a way that will be remembered for generations.