Sigourney Weaver Was Initially Unimpressed with How She Delivered Her Iconic ‘Get Away from Her, You Bitch’ Line in “Aliens ”

Sigourney Weaver, famous for her role as Ripley in the iconic movie franchise “Alien,” recently revealed in a panel at New York Comic Con that she wasn’t entirely satisfied with the delivery of one of her most famous lines from the 1986 film “Aliens.” Weaver opened up about her feelings regarding the line during a discussion moderated by Josh Horowitz, touching on her decades-long career in the industry.

The particular line in question occurs when Ripley, equipped in a giant metal bodysuit, confronts a menacing alien to protect a young child, boldly stating, “Get away from her, you bitch!” However, Weaver admitted that she felt she delivered the line inadequately, describing her delivery as sounding “like a little nerd.” Despite her initial reservations, director James Cameron seemed pleased with her performance, and the scene was not extensively reshot due to its complexity.

Weaver shared that she found her pitch to be higher than intended, explaining that bravery should have been reflected in a lower tone. However, her concerns were alleviated by the positive reception from both audiences and critics. Surprisingly, Weaver received an Oscar nomination for her portrayal, a recognition she didn’t anticipate since genre roles are often overlooked for such awards in the industry.

Reflecting on the possibility of revisiting her role as Ripley, Weaver indicated that she is open to the idea, having encountered a compelling concept for a potential new film project. Walter Hill, a close friend of Weaver, drafted an intriguing outline for Ripley’s character development, which sparked her interest in exploring the character further on screen.

Weaver’s character, Ripley, has been an enduring figure in the “Alien” franchise since the original film’s release in 1979. Despite taking on the role in subsequent films, Weaver last portrayed Ripley in 1997’s “Alien: Resurrection.” Fans of the franchise eagerly anticipate the potential return of Ripley under Weaver’s portrayal in a fresh narrative crafted to reinvigorate the beloved character for modern audiences.

In an industry where sequels and reboots are becoming increasingly prevalent, Weaver’s willingness to revisit her iconic role as Ripley strikes a chord with fans, offering a glimmer of hope for a revival of the beloved character’s story. The legacy of Ripley and the impact of Weaver’s portrayal continue to resonate with audiences, solidifying her status as a trailblazer in the realm of science fiction cinema.

As discussions surrounding potential new projects and the future of the “Alien” franchise unfold, Weaver’s candid reflections on her past performances underscore the depth of her commitment to portraying strong, memorable characters on screen. Her openness to exploring new avenues for Ripley showcases a dedication to evolving and expanding the narrative possibilities within the beloved sci-fi series.