Sigourney Weaver has said Neill Blomkamp will do the new Alien film justice.

The pair, who collaborate on Neill’s new film Chappie, are set to reunite for the fifth Alien movie, with Sigourney reprising her role as astronaut and lieutenant Ellen Ripley and the director of District 9 and Elysium at the helm.

“I think it’s very exciting. I think it’s a little difficult for me to believe quite yet,” the actress said.

“I’ve seen the pictures and I’ve talked to him quite a bit about it so I’m glad it’s progressing and I can’t think of another director who I would rather have this in the hands of frankly.”

Neill Blomkamp
Neill Blomkamp will direct Alien 5 (Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Neill, who has expressed his desire to make an Alien film for years, shared some concept art on Instagram in February. He has also said his film will follow on from the first and second films, rather than the third and fourth.

Sigourney heaped praise on the 35-year-old director, describing him as her first choice to be in control of the film. Filmmakers who have taken the reins on previous Alien instalments include Ridley Scott, James Cameron, David Fincher and Jean-Pierre Jeunet.

“Neill’s one of those masterminds. He’s comfortable with all of the technology, not only classic science fiction technology, but what’s really happening. He’s also dazzling visually.”

The 65-year-old actress said she enjoyed working with the South African filmmaker on Chappie, because she got to play no-nonsense weapons corporation CEO Michelle Bradley.

Sigourney in Chappie (Sony Pictures UK)
Sigourney in Chappie (Sony Pictures UK)

“It was fun to play a woman CEO because there are so few of us, especially to be running a weapons corporation, so I loved that Neill did that. I think there were some men he considered as well but he ended up making it Michelle,” she said.

Chappie, which also stars Hugh Jackman, Sharlto Copley and Dev Patel, is in cinemas now.