As a huge fan of the Alien franchise, I can’t help but be excited about Cailee Spaeny’s upcoming role in Alien: Romulus. Her dedication to the craft is truly inspiring. For months prior to shooting, she immersed herself in Sigourney Weaver‘s iconic portrayal of Ellen Ripley, hoping to absorb some of that magic and bring it to her own performance.
As an excited fan, I can’t wait for August when “Alien: Romulus” hits theaters! The talented Cailee Spaeny, who plays a role in this new installment, shared that she devoted much time and effort to learning from the legendary Sigourney Weaver’s iconic portrayal of Ripley. Directed by Fede Álvarez, “Romulus” follows Spaeny’s character and her fellow space colonists as they encounter the terrifying Xenomorphs while exploring an abandoned space station. Alongside Isabela Merced, David Jonsson, and Archie Reneaux, this film promises to surpass the impressive $403 million box office success of “Prometheus,” released in 2012 and currently holding the title as the most successful Alien franchise entry to date.
Before filming “Alien: Romulus,” Spaeny shared with Total Film (through GamesRadar), she listened to Ellen Ripley’s portrayal by Sigourney Weaver for several months. Ripley had left a significant impact on the Alien series, and Spaeny aspired to capture some of that enchantment for her role.
For several months, I kept watching Weaver’s act over and over again, expecting some part of it to leave an impression on me.
Spaeny asserts that although the role of Ripley in “Alien” is significant, she didn’t succumb to the pressure because the character was gender-neutral in its creation. Dan O’Bannon and Ronald Shusett designed the script with interchangeable parts for both males and females when writing it in 1979. Consequently, a man or woman could effectively assume the role without altering the story’s essence.
In my experience, I never felt intimidated in that role as it wasn’t originally intended for a woman. This gave me the liberty to fully embody the character. Moreover, Sigourney Weaver brought an incredible authenticity to her portrayal, making it easier for any female actor joining the franchise to feel unencumbered and confident in their performance.
Cailee Spaeny Isn’t Trying To Be Ellen Ripley in Alien: Romulus
Although Weaver paved the way for females in action movies with her unforgettable roles in “Alien” and “Aliens,” Spaeny acknowledges she can’t be Ellen Ripley. Instead, the 25-year-old actress aspires to contribute some of Weaver’s tenacity that made her iconic.
In an interview with Total Film back in March 2024, I shared how deeply I immersed myself into bringing that character to the big screen. Seeing Sigourney Weaver bring that role to life was truly a game-changer for those films. I could only admire her from afar, but I poured all of my energy and creativity into making that character as multi-dimensional and lifelike as possible. I can only hope that my efforts paid off and the audience connects with the three-dimensional version of the character that I brought to life.
If you’re eagerly anticipating a surprise appearance by Weaver in “Alien: Romulus” given its proximity to the “Alien” timeline, be prepared for disappointment. Although Weaver has expressed her desire to revisit the franchise that catapulted her to fame, those opportunities passed with a different director at the helm. For now, she accepts that her chance to return has come and gone, saying, “That boat has sailed.”
Alien: Romulus
hits theaters on August 16, 2024, and you can check out the trailer below.
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2024-07-18 00:32