Top Action Heroine Rivals Stallone & Schwarzenegger for 46 Years!

In 1979, the world was introduced to a heroine who would forever leave her mark on both science fiction and cinema at large! This legendary character is none other than Ripley from Ridley Scott’s Alien, portrayed by Sigourney Weaver. This fearless fighter would return in three more sequels: Aliens in 1986, Alien 3 in 1992, and Alien Resurrection in 1997.

A Science Fiction Icon

Over two decades, Ripley established herself as a true icon of the science fiction genre. She paved the way for many other heroic women, characterized by their resilience, pragmatism, and intelligence.

In the original 1979 film, Ellen Ripley is not yet the relentless survivor and warrior she would later become. Her evolution throughout the series is truly captivating, driven by the charismatic performance of Sigourney Weaver. Unknown to the general public before Alien, her fame skyrocketed after the film’s success, securing her status as a major Hollywood figure.

Nearly 50 years ago, when Alien hit theaters, female characters in science fiction and horror were often relegated to victims, extras, or supporting roles. Ripley changed all that and turned the tables!

Indeed, as the officer aboard the Nostromo, she is the sole survivor where all others have been slaughtered by the xenomorph. She makes rational decisions and maintains her composure throughout. Moreover, she assumes command without ever being gratuitously sexualized. At the time, this was a real revolution that largely explains the film’s success.

A Relatable Heroine

What makes her even more admirable is her ability to act despite the fear that grips her. She isn’t invincible or endowed with superhuman powers; yet, she always manages to move forward despite her doubts and fears. And even though each film she appears in is directed by a different filmmaker, her character evolves without ever being compromised.

Thus, she survives in Alien in a spectacular way. In the sequel, directed by James Cameron, she becomes a surrogate mother to Newt and takes up arms alongside a group of tough soldiers.

Alien 3, directed by David Fincher, thrusts Ripley into a grimy, daunting world; she faces death, isolation, and ultimately sacrifice, all on a prison planet filled with hardened criminals. And, to top it all off, the slimy xenomorph never leaves her side!

Finally, in Alien Resurrection, directed by French filmmaker Jean-Pierre Jeunet, she is reinvented through cloning, blurring the lines between humanity and monstrosity. Sigourney Weaver brings gravity, intensity, and emotion to the role, along with a strong physical presence and remarkable psychological depth.

“I’m very flattered when actresses talk about Ripley. When we made the other Alien films, I saw how difficult it was to write a heroic, direct, unsentimental, and authentic female role. Many would have said: ‘Make her more likable.’

“Then you end up with this artificial scene that is supposed to show that you are still feminine at heart. And it’s honestly just nonsense, because that doesn’t happen in real life. Ripley doesn’t have time to try to be likable,” Sigourney told EW media in 2017.

A Tremendous Legacy

Moreover, through this role, the actress proved that a woman could carry a successful franchise on her shoulders. With a budget of 11 million dollars, Alien earned 203 million at the global box office. This triumph gave rise to three more films, with the series garnering a total of 706 million dollars internationally.

Ripley left behind a stunning legacy, paving the way for generations of more complex and credible female characters. Examples include Sarah Connor, who follows a similar trajectory to Ripley in the Terminator saga.

In the sequel, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, she becomes a hardened warrior and a protective mother to John, much like the heroine of Aliens, also directed by none other than… James Cameron! Coincidence? Hardly!

Other notable heroines influenced by Ripley include Trinity in The Matrix, Leeloo in The Fifth Element, Furiosa in Mad Max Fury Road, Katniss in The Hunger Games, and Rey in Star Wars. All these characters owe a lot to Ripley.

She played a significant role in normalizing the idea of a strong, competent, charismatic heroine who isn’t sexualized or highlighted for her physical appearance. She demonstrated that a woman could fight on par with men, or even surpass them. For all these reasons, Ripley is arguably the greatest heroine in the history of science fiction.

And if you’re missing the Alien universe, the brand new series Alien Earth is now available on Disney+!