Weaver: 'Ripley could take on Dirty Harry'

Sigourney Weaver has revealed that she feels honoured that her Lt Ellen Ripley character is so well received by moviegoers.

The actress’s big screen alter ego from the Alien franchise was recently named the top female in science fiction, while she admitted her affinity for the role to TV Squad, says SciFiSquad.com.

She said: "I was very pleased that MTV named her the second biggest badass in movie history, although I think she could take on Dirty Harry. That was cool. And it is the 30th anniversary of the first film.

"I love Ellen Ripley. She was a fascinating person to play in each incarnation and a great opportunity for a young actor."

Weaver also said that she finds the reported Alien prequel to be an "interesting idea". 20th Century Fox claimed that it will only commit to the update if original director Ridley Scott helms it.

She added: "I hope if they do something new, they will encompass the idea of where the alien first came from, because I think that's an interesting idea - to find out what happened and 'how did it get to us?'"

However, the star ruled out a return to the role, saying: "I feel we did four good movies, and I'm content with that."

Weaver recently confirmed that she will not be on board for Ghostbusters 3. She has, however, reteamed with Aliens director James Cameron for the 3D sci-fi film Avatar, arriving in cinemas on December 18.