Meet the Cast of Alien Movie - A Sci-Fi Thriller

Released on May 25, 1979
Comedy Horror Science Fiction Distant Future Co-workers Blood Death or Dying Aliens Spaceship / Space Craft Survivalist Outer Space Blockbuster

In the 1979 classic science fiction horror film, Alien, directed by Ridley Scott, the story begins with the commercial spaceship Nostromo, carrying a crew of seven, on its return journey to Earth. The crew members, played by a talented cast including Sigourney Weaver as Ripley, the warrant officer, and Tom Skerritt as Dallas, the captain, are awakened from their hypersleep by the ship's computer, Mother, after receiving a mysterious distress signal from a distant planet, LV-426. The crew, being under contract to investigate any distress signals received during their journey, decides to land on the planet to investigate the source of the signal.

Upon landing on the planet, a three-member team, including Kane, played by John Hurt, ventures out to investigate the signal's source. They discover a derelict spacecraft and enter it, finding thousands of eggs in a chamber. As Kane inspects one of the eggs, a creature inside attacks him, attaching itself to his face. Despite the crew's objections, Dallas decides to bring Kane back aboard the Nostromo, hoping to save his life. The crew is unaware of the impending nightmare that is about to unfold as the alien parasite planted inside its unfortunate host is about to be birthed.

As the parasite begins to gestate inside Kane, the crew faces a moral dilemma - should they risk Kane's life to remove the creature or wait until it is safe to do so? In the meantime, the crew tries to remove the creature using various methods, but all are unsuccessful. Suddenly, the creature detaches itself from Kane's face, and he regains consciousness. However, their relief is short-lived as the creature escapes into the ship, leading to a series of terrifying encounters between the crew and the deadly alien. The film is a masterclass in suspense and horror, with the alien creature designed by Swiss artist H.R. Giger, becoming one of the most iconic movie monsters of all time.

Alien is part of the Alien Collection.

Full Cast of Alien

Tom Skerritt

as Dallas

Tom Skerritt delivers a commanding performance as Dallas in the 1979 sci-fi horror classic, 'Alien'. As the captain of the commercial starship Nostromo, Skerritt's Dallas is a composed and decisive leader, who remains calm even in the face of the extraterrestrial terror that stalks his crew. Skerritt's portrayal of Dallas is nuanced and understated, conveying the character's intelligence and resourcefulness without resorting to over-the-top heroics. His performance is a standout in a film that is renowned for its exceptional ensemble cast.

Sigourney Weaver

as Ripley

Sigourney Weaver's portrayal of Ellen Ripley in the movie 'Alien' is nothing short of iconic. She brings a sense of strength and resilience to the character that is both captivating and empowering. Weaver's performance is a masterclass in subtlety, as she expertly balances Ripley's fear and determination in the face of the unknown. Her transformation from a cautious crew member to a fierce and formidable heroine is a testament to Weaver's acting prowess. It's no wonder that Ripley has become one of the most beloved characters in science fiction history.

Veronica Cartwright

as Lambert

Veronica Cartwright's portrayal of Lambert in 'Alien' is a standout performance that adds a layer of emotional depth to the film. As the ship's navigator, Lambert's increasing fear and vulnerability are palpable, making her one of the most relatable characters. Cartwright's ability to convey raw emotion, from her initial skepticism to her eventual breakdown, serves as a stark contrast to the stoic demeanor of her crewmates. Her performance is a testament to the power of human emotion in the face of the unknown, making Lambert's fate all the more impactful.

Harry Dean Stanton

as Brett

Harry Dean Stanton's portrayal of Brett in the movie 'Alien' is a memorable one. As the ship's engineering technician, Stanton brings a sense of realism and authenticity to the role. His character is the embodiment of the blue-collar worker, a man just doing his job amidst the chaos that unfolds. Stanton's performance is understated yet impactful, making Brett's eventual demise at the hands (or rather, the jaws) of the alien all the more shocking and effective. His performance adds a layer of humanity to the film, making the horror of the situation even more palpable.

John Hurt

as Kane

John Hurt's portrayal of Kane in 'Alien' is a masterclass in subtlety and understated acting. His character's transformation from a curious and adventurous crew member to the tragic host of the alien creature is both captivating and chilling. Hurt's performance is particularly memorable in the iconic chestburster scene, where his agonizing screams and convulsions bring a terrifying realism to the horrific event. Despite his limited screen time, Hurt leaves a lasting impact on the audience and sets the tone for the terrifying events that follow.

Ian Holm

as Ash

Ian Holm's portrayal of Ash in 'Alien' is a masterclass in subtlety and nuance. As the ship's science officer, Holm initially comes across as calm and rational, providing a stark contrast to the more volatile crew members. However, as the story unfolds and Ash's true nature is revealed, Holm skillfully transitions from a seemingly trustworthy ally to a chilling antagonist. His performance is a testament to his range as an actor, and it's a significant factor in why 'Alien' remains a classic in the science fiction genre.