Sigourney Weaver Makes Headlines with New Projects and Potential Franchise Returns

Hollywood Icon Continues to Shape Action Cinema

At 76, Sigourney Weaver continues to defy expectations as one of Hollywood’s most enduring action stars. The legendary actress, known for her iconic portrayal of Ellen Ripley in the Alien franchise and her work in the Avatar series, is making waves with several exciting developments that showcase her lasting impact on science fiction and adventure cinema.

Tomb Raider Series Casting News

Sources tell Deadline that she is in talks to join the upcoming Tomb Raider series for Prime Video, which will star Sophie Turner as Lara Croft. It is unknown who Weaver would play, but her potential involvement has generated significant buzz amongst fans. The series, from Amazon MGM Studios, has set January 19 as the start of production, with Phoebe Waller-Bridge serving as writer and executive producer.

Potential Alien Franchise Return

Weaver recently confirmed her interest in reprising her legendary role as Ellen Ripley. Walter Hill wrote 50 pages exploring Ripley’s possible future, which impressed Weaver. Plans are in early stages; Weaver praises Hill’s script for its societal relevance. When asked about the possibility, she said of a potential film, ‘We’re just taking it one step at a time’. This would mark her first appearance as Ripley since 1997’s Alien: Resurrection.

Avatar Technology and Red Sea Festival

At the Red Sea Film Festival in Saudi Arabia, the actress lauded the advanced performance capture technology used by Cameron on the long-running franchise, saying ‘Jim invented this technology really to let actors be whatever they could be.’ The technology, which doesn’t use generative AI, constructs digital characters from an actor’s micro-expressions, allowing Weaver to portray a 14-year-old Na’vi in the upcoming ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash,’ set for release this week. Her enthusiasm for sharing this technology reflects her commitment to advancing the craft of acting.

A Career Still Blazing Forward

With Avatar: Fire and Ash hitting theaters this December, Weaver adds another chapter to a career that spans four major action franchises and countless unforgettable roles. Her continued involvement in high-profile projects demonstrates that age is no barrier to leading major productions. For fans of science fiction and action cinema, Weaver’s ongoing work ensures that one of the genre’s greatest performers remains at the forefront of entertainment, inspiring new generations whilst potentially revisiting the characters that made her a legend.