When we think of classic sci-fi, it’s only natural to think about some of the most tenacious characters of all time. From battling deadly aliens in outer space to fighting artificial intelligence and dangerous cyborgs in the hopes of saving humanity. These three female heroes have done it all. Regardless of how slim their chances were.
Within their respective franchises, they headline every movie poster, pop up on every piece of merchandise, and iconize sci-fi culture. It’s only fair to say that Alien, Terminator, and The Matrix have all been significantly marked by the unforgettable strength and resilience of their principal characters – and I’m not talking about men here.
That’s right, the leading ladies of each of these classic sci-fi movies have critically shaped the way we consume and view the sci-fi genre. The knuckle-gripping tension combined with the slim chance of victorious survival is amplified through characters such as Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver), Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton), and Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss). They will continue to fight against all odds.
The horror, the thrill, and the impending catastrophe of it all is simply no match for the likes of these women. Even when their male co-stars fail to demonstrate their strength and will to persevere, these characters come front and center to show the world what true grit looks like.
Turns out, steel isn’t a masculine build, or a deep voice accompanied by squinty eyes filled with pessimism. No, as a matter of fact, great tenacity is the cunning and deadly silhouette of a woman. It is the never-ending test of strength that the women of classic sci-fi display in some of the most beloved franchises of the genre. And while we are simply talking about fantastical worlds filled with made-up characters, these ladies are a testament to the fact that valor has no bounds – nor gender.
The Star Wars and Marvel universe are molding the current sci-fi genre with their female heroes. There’s Black Widow (Scarlett Johanssen) finally getting her solo film. We got Captain Marvel (Brie Larson) saving the day in Avengers: Endgame. At least saving our mightiest heroes from Thanos’s rain fire. Then Star Wars prequel Trilogy’s Ray (Daisley Ridley).
But there’s something more iconic with these three female heroes from classic sci-fi. Especially with Ripley and Connor. Fortunately for fans of the these classic sci-fi franchises, we’re getting more.
We already had the return of Linda Hamilton in Terminator Dark Fate. And it seems we’ll be getting more of Hamilton’s Sarah Connor. Rumors of Weaver coming back to an Aliens movie is possible. Carrie-Anne Moss started shooting scenes for the fourth Matrix movie in San Francisco until production was paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The certainty of these sci-fi franchises continuing is still up in the air for two of them. But one thing is for sure. It’ll be nostalgic to see all three of them on the big screen once again.
Featured Image: 20th Century Fox, Warner Bros. Picture, TriStar Pictures
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