The Colonial Marines: Where Is The Iconic Aliens Cast Now In 2025?

Over 38 years after the release of James Cameron’s sci-fi masterpiece, Aliens, the film’s legacy continues to dominate the action-horror genre. The movie, a thrilling shift from the original Alien’s slow-burn horror to a full-throttle action spectacle, owes its enduring power to the unforgettable ensemble cast of Colonial Marines and their civilian counterparts. As of December 2025, the stars who brought Ellen Ripley and the rest of the crew to life are still active in Hollywood, attending fan conventions, and even teasing new installments in the franchise.

From the stoic resilience of Ripley to the explosive energy of Hudson and Vasquez, the Aliens cast created a family of characters whose bond transcended the screen. We dive deep into the current lives and latest projects of the actors, exploring who is still fighting the good fight in Hollywood and honoring the memory of those who have passed away.

The Complete Aliens Cast & Character Dossier

The success of Aliens lies squarely on the shoulders of its tightly-knit ensemble. This is the definitive list of the main cast members, their roles, and their status today:

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• Sigourney Weaver as Ellen Ripley: The sole survivor of the Nostromo, a civilian consultant who joins the Colonial Marines on their mission to LV-426.
• Michael Biehn as Corporal Dwayne Hicks: The competent, level-headed Marine who becomes Ripley’s protector and the only other survivor.
• Paul Reiser as Carter Burke: The smarmy, self-serving Weyland-Yutani representative whose corporate greed puts the team in danger.
• Bill Paxton as Private Hudson: The loud, nervous, and instantly quotable Marine whose panic perfectly captured the terror of the Xenomorphs. (Deceased)
• Jenette Goldstein as Private Vasquez: The tough, no-nonsense heavy weapons specialist known for her iconic line, "Let's rock!"
• Lance Henriksen as Bishop: The synthetic (android) whose loyalty to the crew is constantly questioned by Ripley.
• Carrie Henn as Newt: The young, sole survivor of the colony on LV-426, adopted by Ripley.
• Al Matthews as Sergeant Apone: The seasoned, authoritative leader of the Colonial Marines platoon. (Deceased)
• William Hope as Lieutenant Gorman: The inexperienced, nervous commanding officer of the mission.
• Mark Rolston as Private Drake: Vasquez’s partner and the operator of the Smart Gun.

The Survivors: Current Projects and Recent News (2024–2025)

The core cast members of Aliens have maintained dynamic careers, with several major updates in 2024 and 2025 that prove their enduring appeal to audiences and filmmakers alike.

Sigourney Weaver (Ellen Ripley)

Decades after facing the Alien Queen, Sigourney Weaver remains one of the most respected figures in Hollywood. In recent interviews, she has reflected on the character of Ellen Ripley, noting that the strong female protagonist was "ahead of its time."

• New Alien Movie Buzz: A major piece of current news is Weaver’s comments on the possibility of a return. She has stated that Ripley's return is "closer than ever" for a new Alien movie, indicating a renewed interest in the character’s future.
• The Legacy of Neill Blomkamp’s Alien 5: Weaver has also recently discussed the abandoned Neill Blomkamp project, which would have brought back Ripley, Hicks, and Newt, acknowledging the strong fan desire for that storyline.
• Recent Work: Weaver continues her successful collaboration with James Cameron, reprising her role as Kiri in the massive Avatar franchise, with sequels scheduled for the coming years.

Michael Biehn (Corporal Dwayne Hicks)

Known for his frequent collaborations with James Cameron, Michael Biehn’s career has seen a recent surge of activity, bringing him back to major studio projects.

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• Major Studio Comeback: Biehn is set to star in the upcoming gonzo action horror thriller Onslaught, directed by Adam Wingard (known for Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire). This casting is a significant return to a major Hollywood studio film for the actor.
• 2024 Horror Film: He also appeared in the 2024 Australian horror film, Rippy, demonstrating his continued presence in the genre where he built his fame.
• Convention Appearances: Biehn is a consistent presence at fan conventions, often reuniting with his Colonial Marines co-stars, much to the delight of fans of the Terminator and Aliens franchises.

Paul Reiser (Carter Burke)

The actor who played the morally ambiguous Weyland-Yutani executive, Carter Burke, has had a major resurgence in comedy and television, proving his versatility beyond the sci-fi genre.

• Stand-Up Special: In 2024, Reiser released his first stand-up special in over 30 years, titled Life, Death & Rice Pudding, and is currently on his "Big Font Tour."
• Television Roles: Reiser has maintained a high profile with recurring roles in popular shows like Stranger Things (as Dr. Sam Owens) and The Boys (as "The Legend").
• New Film: His new comedy film, The Problem with People, was set to drop in late 2024, keeping his schedule busy across film, TV, and stand-up.

Carrie Henn (Newt)

The young actress who stole the show as Newt famously retired from acting after Aliens to pursue a different career path.

• Current Profession: Carrie Henn is an elementary school teacher in California, a stark contrast to her on-screen battle with the Alien Queen.
• Fan Engagement: Despite leaving acting, she frequently attends fan conventions and reunions, often alongside Sigourney Weaver and Michael Biehn, to celebrate the film's legacy and connect with fans.

The Fallen and The Fierce: Honoring the Colonial Marines’ Legacy

The intensity of the Colonial Marines unit, the backbone of Aliens, was a result of the chemistry between its actors. Below, we look at the legacy of the beloved members who have passed away and the continued work of the remaining ensemble.

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Honoring Bill Paxton (Pvt. Hudson) and Al Matthews (Sgt. Apone)

Two of the most memorable members of the platoon, Private Hudson and Sergeant Apone, have since passed away, leaving behind a powerful cinematic legacy.

• Bill Paxton: The actor, whose famous lines like "Game over, man! Game over!" are still quoted today, died on February 25, 2017, at the age of 61, due to complications from heart surgery. His legacy as a versatile character actor in films like Twister, Apollo 13, and Titanic continues to be celebrated by fans and colleagues.
• Al Matthews: The actor who played the authoritative Gunnery Sergeant Apone, famous for his pre-battle speech, passed away on September 22, 2018, at the age of 75. A former Vietnam War-era Marine himself, his authenticity brought a commanding presence to the role.
• Jay Benedict: The actor who played Newt's father in the film's extended cut, died in 2020.

Jenette Goldstein (Pvt. Vasquez) and Mark Rolston (Pvt. Drake)

The iconic duo of Vasquez and Drake, the heavy weapons experts of the Colonial Marines, are still active in the fan convention circuit and continue to work in film and voice acting.

• Jenette Goldstein: Known for her role as the formidable Private Vasquez, Goldstein has continued to work in film and television (including roles in Terminator 2 and Near Dark). In 2024 and 2025, she has been a featured guest at major events like the Baltimore Comic-Con and Comic-Con Scotland, often participating in group Aliens Q&A panels.
• Mark Rolston: Rolston, who played Drake, has a prolific career as a character actor (The Shawshank Redemption, The Departed) and a voice artist. He remains highly engaged with the fan community, offering personalized messages via platforms like Cameo, with recent reviews from late 2024.

Lance Henriksen (Bishop) and William Hope (Lt. Gorman)

The synthetic Bishop and the inexperienced Lieutenant Gorman represent two sides of the mission’s chain of command, and their actors remain busy in the industry.

• Lance Henriksen: The veteran actor, celebrated for his work in the sci-fi and horror genres, continues his prolific career. He recently starred in the survival indie film On Fire, released in 2023, and his autobiography, Not Bad For a Human, was re-released with new features.
• William Hope: The actor who played the ill-fated Lieutenant Gorman is an active voice actor, contributing to various projects, including the Alien and Predator franchises. He is scheduled to appear for interviews and Q&A sessions at major fan events, such as the 2025 Fan Expo Chicago, confirming his continued engagement with the film's fanbase.

The Enduring Topical Authority of Aliens

What gives Aliens its enduring topical authority is the sheer quality and dedication of its cast. James Cameron’s decision to put the actors through a mini-boot camp to bond as a unit paid off, creating a genuine sense of camaraderie that made the loss of each Colonial Marine—from Apone to Hicks—feel truly significant.

The film’s influence extends far beyond the screen. The design of the Xenomorph Queen, the sound of the Pulse Rifle, and the corporate villainy of the Weyland-Yutani corporation have all become foundational elements of modern science fiction. The recent news of the cast’s continued involvement in new projects (Michael Biehn’s *Onslaught*), new media (Paul Reiser’s stand-up), and the tantalizing possibility of Sigourney Weaver’s return to the *Alien* universe demonstrates that for the fans, the mission is truly "Game On." The cast is a living, breathing testament to a timeless classic, ensuring that the spirit of the Colonial Marines will never fade.