Sigourney Weaver Sees Parallels Between Avatar: Fire and Ash Showdown and Iconic Aliens Power Loader Scene

Sigourney Weaver takes on the role of Kiri in Avatar: Fire and Ash, but her first iconic collaboration with James Cameron dates back to 1986’s Aliens.

In that classic, Weaver returned as Ripley, facing off against the Alien Queen in a scene that has become legendary, all to protect young Newt. Armed with a Power Loader, Ripley delivers the unforgettable line: “Get away from her, you bitch!”

If you’ve watched Avatar: Fire and Ash, you might have recalled that moment during the film’s intense climax. Spoilers ahead!

Throughout the movie, Varang and Neytiri engage in several fierce confrontations, but it’s Kiri who ultimately drives Varang away in a powerful showdown near the end. Kiri uses her braid to connect with Varang’s, turning the villain’s own tactic against her, and then fiercely commands her to back off from her mother, punctuating it with a bold “Bitch!” This moment not only nods to the iconic Aliens scene but also completely shifts the protective dynamic between mother and daughter.

Weaver shared her thoughts on this parallel, stating, “Well, of course, I wasn’t thinking about a movie I’d done so many years ago. But what I found very touching, especially because of the journey Kiri is on, is it’s been difficult for her and her mother. You see a lot of this ‘Ugh, don’t touch me!’ kind of going on in [The Way of Water] and part of [Fire and Ash], and this is the first time I feel she claims Neytiri as her mother. That’s what I was thinking about. I wasn’t thinking about the Power Loader, but I understand why people see some sort of reference.”

In this pivotal scene, Kiri truly embraces her role within the Sully family, having undergone a journey that deepens her connection to Eywa and her enigmatic powers.

As for where Kiri’s story will lead next, that remains a mystery, but you can catch her in action in Avatar: Fire and Ash, now showing in theaters.