For anyone who didn't think "Alien: Resurrection" was a questionable way to extend the sci-fi horror franchise's shelf life, Sigourney Weaver is of the mind that the Ridley Scott-created series has "one more story to tell." Following screenings of "Alien" and "Aliens" at the Hero Complex Film Festival this past weekend, Weaver said she's game for a fifth installment.
"I feel there's a longing in certain groups of fans when I meet them for the story to be finished," Weaver said. "We really left it up in the air, and I feel a bit badly about that because I was part of that decision-making process."
Weaver's remarks come 17 years after she almost didn't star in "Alien: Resurrection." Weaver originally declined to reprise her Oscar-nominated role as Ellen Ripley, but ultimately acquiesced after an offer for a reported $11 million salary and more creative control. ''The idea of a fourth 'Alien' movie just seemed ridiculous," Weaver said at the time.
But the tides have turned, which Weaver attributes to the passing of time. (It probably isn't thanks to box-office grosses, as "Resurrection" pulled in $48 million domestically in 1997 -- a mediocre figure for a beloved franchise.)
"I didn't want to make four and five in a bundle," she said. "I think it's hard to make these films all in a big lump. You need time to sort of let things resonate, so I can imagine a situation where we could at least finish telling [Ellen's] story. I think that would be very satisfying, at least to me."
Regardless of the reasoning, Weaver says she's done nothing to get the development wheels turning, although she does know a few "young filmmakers" who would take a seat behind the camera.
"I don’t think 'Alien' belongs on Earth popping out of a haystack, which is where I was afraid it was going to go," she said, referring to the sequels' Earth-orbiting plots. "I feel it should take place in the far reaches of the universe where no one in their right mind would go."
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