Sigourney Weaver Recalls "Terrifying" Early Days Making "Aliens"

Key facts

• Sigourney Weaver starred as Ripley in Ridley Scott's "Alien" and James Cameron's "Aliens".
• "Aliens" transformed Ripley into a fully-fledged action hero.
• James Cameron wrote "Aliens" with Sigourney Weaver in mind.
• Cameron admits he was "petrified" of Weaver during the scriptwriting and early production.
• Weaver found the production of "Aliens" to be "really hard".
• The "Aliens" 40th anniversary reunion interview appears in Empire's Summer 2026 issue.
• The issue goes on sale Thursday, May 7.

An Icon Forged in Action

Sigourney Weaver's portrayal of Ellen Ripley in "Alien" established her as a formidable screen presence, the unexpected survivor of Ridley Scott's chilling space horror. Yet, it was James Cameron's 1986 sequel, "Aliens," that cemented Ripley's status as an enduring icon. The film amplified the character's capabilities, transforming her into an action hero ready to confront not just one, but dozens of marauding Xenomorphs. Whether asserting authority over Colonial Marine grunts, engaging in a climactic showdown with the alien queen using a Powerloader, or fiercely protecting the young orphan Newt, Ripley's resilience and combat prowess were on full display. Decades later, Weaver still cherishes the vision Cameron brought to the character, particularly the gravity he infused into her struggle. "I love the seriousness that you brought to it. It's life and death for Ripley," she remarked to the director during a reunion interview. However, the intense demands of bringing this vision to life meant the production itself was far from easy. "The whole thing was so exciting but it was also really hard," Weaver recalled, remembering the logistical challenges and the sheer scale of the weaponry involved.

Cameron's Pre-Production Anxiety

The creation of "Aliens" placed immense pressure on director James Cameron, even before he met his star. Tasked with directing the sequel after Ridley Scott's original, and having recently demonstrated his command of the sci-fi action genre with "The Terminator," Cameron found himself deeply immersed in the writing process. He recently revealed the extent of his obsession with the character of Ripley, admitting to Sigourney Weaver herself that he was intimidated by her during their initial encounters. Cameron confessed to Weaver that he had spent months crafting the script with her image prominently displayed above his writing desk. His aim was to capture the essence of what she and Ridley Scott had established, while extrapolating Ripley's journey through a lens of post-traumatic stress. "I was petrified of you," Cameron told Weaver, explaining the intense focus required to channel her performance and build upon it for the sequel. He admitted to desperately trying to anticipate her reaction to the more explosive elements of the script, such as the extensive use of machine guns and flamethrowers.

A Star's Perspective on the Process

Weaver, however, found Cameron's intense focus and the narrative direction to be a compelling foundation for Ripley's evolution. "I loved that," she assured him, indicating her approval of the thematic direction. "I thought that was the perfect beginning for her." Despite the director's initial trepidation, the collaboration ultimately yielded a groundbreaking film. Cameron eventually overcame his fear, directing what is widely regarded as one of the finest science fiction sequels ever made, a film that cleverly used the alien threat as a backdrop to explore themes of late-stage capitalism.

The Unveiling of a Different Director

The demanding nature of the "Aliens" production meant that the creative team operated under considerable strain. Weaver noted the intensity of the experience, particularly the logistical and technical aspects of the shoot. Yet, once the pressure of the production began to lift, she witnessed a different facet of her director's personality. During a dinner conversation with Gale Anne Hurd, Weaver found herself remarking on Cameron's demeanor. "You know, you're really funny. Where was this guy all the way through that shoot?!" she exclaimed. Weaver suggested that Cameron's serious and focused approach throughout the filming was likely a necessity, driven by the need to command respect and prove himself to the cast and crew. This observation highlighted the stark contrast between the on-set intensity and the more relaxed persona that emerged once the film's principal photography was complete.

Legacy and Anniversary Reflections

The impact of "Aliens" on cinematic history and the character of Ripley is undeniable. The film not only showcased Sigourney Weaver's versatility but also set a new standard for action-packed science fiction sequels. The 40th anniversary of this landmark film has prompted reflections from its key creators, offering new insights into the challenges and triumphs of its production. These candid discussions, including the reunion interview between Weaver and Cameron, are featured in the Summer 2026 issue of Empire magazine. The publication is set to go on sale on Thursday, May 7, providing fans with an in-depth look at the making of a beloved classic.

The bottom line

• Sigourney Weaver and James Cameron have reflected on the intense production of the 1986 sci-fi classic "Aliens".
• Cameron admitted to being "petrified" of Weaver while writing the script, having envisioned her role extensively.
• Weaver found the film's production challenging but appreciated Cameron's serious approach to Ripley's character.
• The film transformed Ripley from a survivor into a full-fledged action hero.
• Reflections on the film's making are detailed in a reunion interview in Empire magazine.
• The Summer 2026 issue of Empire, featuring the interview, goes on sale May 7.