In honor of full disclosure, I should mention that Alien is my all-time favorite film and that Sigourney Weaver is my favorite actress. Now, let me try and restrain my enthusiasm at the list of names popping up in contention for the lead role in Sir Ridley Scott‘s planned Alien prequels. sigh.
The Playlist has thrown out the possibility of actresses Noomi Rapace, Carey Mulligan and Abbie Cornish taking over the Ripley-esque role in the two films (the role won’t actually be Ripley but, sticking with the series familiarity, the lead will be a female in a similar vein). Of these three, who have all reportedly met with Scott to discuss the role, the word is that Rapace (who recently shot to fame with her performance in The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo) has left a strong impression with the filmmaker.
The problem with this is that no matter who Scott casts, they will forever have to live in the shadow of Weaver’s Ripley which is often considered the greatest female action hero of all-time. Rapace definitely seems the most like Weaver out of the three newest possibilities but it seems odd that they would want to go so literal when casting someone in Weaver’s boots.
The other two are so horridly wrong that I hope this is the last time either names are ever mentioned in regards to the upcoming prequels. I can only imagine Mulligan’s sour expression and hysterics in the face of the alien creatures. In fact, she seems better suited for a role akin to the Veronica Cartwright‘s in the original film (you know, the other woman in the film). Cornish, seems too stiff to pull off what this role will likely require of her.
However, Mr. Scott could be taking this role in a very different direction and maybe he see’s something in either of these later two actresses that will work within the film. I do appreciate that he isn’t going the Angelina Jolie route and looking for pin-up girls that he can squeeze into a tight fitting uniform.
What do you think of these actresses taking on Alien? Who would you like to see in the lead role?