Alien came out in 1979 and revolutionized the cinematic sci-fi landscape. Directed by Ridley Scott, the movie follows the crew of the Nostromo and their encounter with the titular alien, an aggressive extraterrestrial being seeking to kill them all.
Modern cinema would be completely altered had Alien not premiered in 1979. If the film came out in 2021, it would look vastly different, starting with the cast. Indeed, the movie would feature a more diverse ensemble, and even though it's impossible to picture any other actress in the iconic role of Ellen Ripley other than Sigourney Weaver, it's fun to imagine "what if?"
Parker - Omari Hardwick
Parker is the Nostromo's chief engineer. He is the only crew member to protest the ship's detour to answer the distress signal coming from a nearby moon. He makes it to the final act of the movie before falling prey to the deadly xenomorph.
Yaphet Kotto brought Parker to life in the original Alien. If the movie came out in 2021, actor, rapper, producer, and poet Omari Hardwick would be the perfect choice for the part. Audiences know Hardwick from his role in Starz's series Power and for playing one of the best characters in Army of the Dead, the charismatic Vanderohe. Harwick would lend a unique mix of rugged charm to Parker, making the role even more unforgettable.
Kane - Ben Whishaw
Without a doubt, the most iconic scene in Alien is the Chestbuster coming out of Kane's chest. It is one of the most shocking horror moments in cinematic history, immortalizing the otherwise small role of Kane. Veteran English actor John Hurt played Kane in the original movie, providing extra layers of vulnerability to what could easily be a classic victim role.
It would take an equally gifted actor to preserve Kane's tragic nature, and there's no better choice than Ben Whishaw. The gentle Englishman, known for playing Q in Daniel Craig's Bond films and for being the voice of Paddington Bear, would be the perfect choice for Kane in 2021. After all, Whishaw is an expert in portraying delicate characters with great inner strength.
Ash - David Dastmalchian
Dubious androids are one of the biggest tropes in the Alien franchise, and it all began with Ash. Played with icy perfection by Ian Holm, Ash is the Nostromo's science officer, later revealed to be an android. He follows the Weyland Company's order to preserve the alien at the crew's expense, if necessary, making him the movie's secondary antagonist.
Known for his versatile and eccentric performances, David Dastmalchian is the very definition of a character actor. He has ample experience with blockbusters, playing supporting but unforgettable roles in The Dark Knight, Ant-Man and the Wasp, and most recently, The Suicide Squad. Dastmalchian's trademark unconventionality would be ideal for Ash, enhancing the character's mechanical demeanor.
Brett - John Cho
Like Parker, Brett is one of the Nostromo's engineers. He is one of the xenomorph's first victims, falling prey to the alien after following the ship's cat, Jones, into a landing leg compartment. Veteran performer Harry Dean Stanton played Brett in the original movie. Like many other members of the film's cast, Stanton was a character actor known for his supporting roles in movies like Cool Hand Luke and The Godfather Part II.
In 2021, John Cho would be an excellent choice for the role. Cho is also a versatile actor, mostly known for his supporting roles in multiple movies spanning several genres. Cho is also no stranger to sci-fi franchises, having played Hikaru Sulu in the still inconclusive Star Trek reboot series and taking on the role of Spike Spiegel in the upcoming Cowboy Bebop live-action adaptation.
Lambert - Jessie Buckley
Lambert is the Nostromo's navigator and the crewmember most affected by the alien's presence. Unlike the others who want to kill the creature, Lambert only wants to run away from it. Veronica Cartwright brought Lambert to life in 1979, receiving acclaim for her performance and even winning a Saturn Award.
After dazzling audiences with her work in the miniseries War and Peace and The Woman in White, Jessie Buckley received her breakthrough thanks to her work in Chernobyl. Considered one of the best and most promising performers today, Buckley would be a perfect choice for Lambert. The part calls for an actress that can let her emotions loose, becoming a substitute for the audience's fear, and Buckley is more than capable.
Dallas - Don Cheadle
As the Nostromo's captain, Dallas has a place of honor among the crew. He's the authority figure who the others look up to, and ultimately sacrifices himself in an effort to kill the xenomorph in the air ducts. Tom Skerritt, who was the cast's most recognizable name at the time, played Dallas in the original movie.
In 2021, Don Cheadle would be ideal for the part. Like Skerritt, Cheadle is an instantly recognizable actor known for his roles in the Ocean's franchise and the MCU. Cheadle has all the screen presence necessary to portray Dallas, commanding the crew and the audience's respect and attention. His death mid-way through the movie would also leave fans with a lingering sense of uncertainty, not knowing what to expect going forward.
Ellen Ripley - Ana De Armas
Ellen Ripley is one of cinema's most iconic action heroes. She is the de-facto lead in the Alien franchise and the sole survivor of the Nostromo's encounter with the xenomorph. She would appear in three more films, continuing her fight with the alien.
After making a splash among audiences with her lead role in Ryan Johnson's Knives Out, Ana de Armas is ready to become a superstar. A badass and scene-stealing performance in No Time to Die cemented her place as one of Hollywood's most exciting rising stars. A role like Ellen Ripley would confirm her as a leading lady and provide the movie with a strong female presence capable of anchoring the story. Furthermore, de Armas has the requisite mix of strength and vulnerability to bring Ripley to life.