Remembering the iconic women of the Alien franchise

Sigourney Weaver in Alien (1979). Photo: Brandywine Productions/Twentieth Century-Fox Productions

In the spirit of Xenomorphs and LV-426 Day, we’re commemorating the iconic women of the Alien franchise where the women inherit the galaxy.

Much like the real world, the science fiction genre is generally a terrible place to be a woman (as well as anyone who isn’t white or abled). It’s a treacherous genre filled with fridging, sexist overtones, and other terrifying tropes. Amidst all the strangeness, the Alien franchise has always celebrated empowering lead women in its films, novels, and comics. Since today is Alien Day, we can’t think of a better excuse for remembering some of our fav kick-butt women in the franchise.

April 26 marks the annual Xenomorph celebrations because it pays homage to LV-426, the planet where Nostromo first encountered those acid-blooded parasitic bugs. With the most recent film installments, the pop culture holiday doesn’t solely commemorate the first time we met the Xenomorphs or any of their ancestors. The holiday is made special by the women in the franchise.

Since this year marks the 40th anniversary of Alien, commemorating the canon focal point of the anthology is even more important. Yes, women are the focal point of the Alien franchise.

Without one woman specifically, there would be no franchise. While Ellen Ripley is arguably critical to the birth the films (and other media), we aren’t starting with Ripley. We’re starting with the queen of the fandom…