Can you name any actors who were almost cast in big roles in popular films but weren’t chosen?
Despite becoming synonymous with the role and transforming into a pop culture icon, Sigourney Weaver was not the first choice to play Ripley in Alien (1979).
In fact, at one point in time, Meryl Streep almost took on this role and was the first choice for the role.
Many actresses auditioned for the role of Ripley, including Helen Mirren, but the film’s producers rejected her.
Catherine Ross,
and Geneviève Bujold were approached about the role, but did not get the part in the long run.
Veronica Cartwright also read for the role of Ripley, but was cast as her doomed crewmate, Lambert.
Ultimately, the role of Ripley came down to two actresses: while Weaver was very much in the conversation at that point, the first choice for the role was Meryl Streep. Alien casting director Mary Goldberg suggested both women for the role, with an apparent preference for Streep. But production on the film was set to begin shortly after the death of Streep’s co-star John Cazale, who died of lung cancer in March 1978.
Deciding to give Streep more time to grieve her loss in real life rather than diving straight into the horrific sci-fi film, Carroll and Scott ultimately awarded the role to Weaver.
Sigourney Weaver’s award-nominated portrayal of Ripley has become so iconic that it’s hard to imagine anyone else taking on the role.
