If you are a fan of the 1979 classic sci fi horror masterpiece Alien, then you more than likely know who Ellen Ripley is. Sigourney Weaver brought the character to life in Ridley Scott’s first entry into the film series, reprised the role in James Cameron’s 1982 follow-up Aliens, and again in two more chapters.

It’s been long rumored that a 5th feature would make it’s way into theaters, and an instagram post from Director/artist Neill Blomkamp (District 9, Chappie) let the Jonsey out of the bag that he would be helming the thing. Weaver let it slip that she was most definitely involved, and was looking forward to the project.

A piece of concept art from Blomkamp's direct "Aliens" sequel featuring the return of Michael Biehn as Hicks.
A piece of concept art from Blomkamp’s direct “Aliens” sequel featuring the return of Michael Biehn as Hicks.

But, over the last year or so, news about the untitled Alien 5 has been sparse like LV-426, and we finally know why.

Ridley Scott’s 2012 Alien prequel Prometheus had trouble finding footing in the landscape of films, some found it too religious, some found it in serious need of a REAL ending. But, most fans and critics alike agree that Michael Fassbender’s Michael and Charlize Theron’s Meredith were well conceived characters and performed really well. Noomi Rapace as Doctor Elizabeth Shaw had one of the most skin crawling medical scenes yet, removing a xenomorph embryo from herself and then stapling her skin back together *shudders*. But we were told there would be more to the story, that there would most definitely be a sequel. Alien: Covenant was announced (aka Prometheus 2), and unfortunately pushed Blomkamp’s feature back.

Meeting Signourney. Yeah, I'm only 5 foot even. She accidently grazed my boob when going to put her arm on my shoulders. "Oh sorry, guess I should at least buy you a drink first."
Meeting Signourney. Yeah, I’m only 5 foot even. She accidently grazed my boob when going to put her arm on my shoulders. “Oh sorry, guess I should at least buy you a drink first.”

Signourney did an appearance last month at tech giant VMware (thanks Cindy and Chris!), and when asked about the state of the project, she said:

Well, I *think* it is. Ridley asked Neill NOT to make our Alien til after Prometheus 2. He (Ridley) wanted his movie to shoot and be released first. But it’s an AMAZING script, and Neill and I are REALLY excited about doing it. We’re doing other things until we can get going on that. I’d be really surprised if we DIDN’T do it, because it’s such a great script, and we love working together. So, it’s just going to take a little bit longer to get out to you, but it’ll be worth the wait.

Needless to say, the audience reacted strongly to this, and here’s hoping. Ellen Ripley has yet to let us down.

ABOUT >> Mary Anne Butler
  • ACCOUNT NAME >> Mab
  • BIO >> Mary Anne Butler (Mab) is a reporter and photographer from San Francisco California. She is a lifelong geek, huge music nerd, occasionally cosplays at conventions, does Renaissance Faires, and in general lives the life of a True Believer. She may be short, but she makes up for it with a loud voice.
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