An unused alternate ending for The Predator featured the shocking return of Alien's Ellen Ripley. The Predator underwent extensive reshoots following lukewarm test audience scores, with the studio deciding the original cut strayed too far from franchise formula. This version featured a greater focus on the DNA splicing subplot, with the heroes teaming up with two Predator emissaries against the Upgrade Predator, as well as a setpiece featuring a battle against monstrous Predator hybrids.

The Predator currently ends with the reveal that the mysterious pod in the film featured a Predator Killer suit, which was a gift to humanity from the Fugitive Predator. Now, it's since emerged that another ending was considered, where the pod opens up to reveal an unnamed character wearing a Facehugger-style breathing mask labeled with the Weyland-Yutani Corporation logo. The original scripted ending also featured the return of Arnold Schwarzenegger's Dutch, which would have set up the next sequel, but the star declined an offer to appear - though it turns out that the lead from a completely different franchise may have shown up instead.

It appears the filmmakers were still figuring out what the final scene of The Predator would be well into production, and it’s just been revealed by effects artist Yuri Everson on his official Instagram (via: AVP Galaxy) that another ending featured the return of Ellen Ripley from the Alien franchise. Everson explains that three endings were shot in total, and that Ripley was played by stuntwoman Breanna Watkins instead of Sigourney Weaver, with the character's head being covered by the Facehugger mask.

There’s a lot to unpack from this alternate ending, with the implication clearly being the studio seriously considered another crossover between the Alien and Predator franchises. That said, while this ending certainly would’ve been a shocking cliffhanger, it doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. The Predator is set in the year 2018, while the original Alien takes place in 2122. The Predator’s clearly have some advanced technology, so perhaps there were some time travel shenanigans going on, but that raises the further question of why would they go through so much trouble to take her back in the first place?

It also seems doubtful Sigourney Weaver would have been interested in such a crossover. She once stated part of the reason she wanted Ripley to die in Alien 3 was so she could rule out appearing in an Alien Vs Predator movie, since she found the concept so horrible. Perhaps Fox was hoping a positive reaction to this teaser would convince her otherwise, but the fact they didn’t use it suggests they knew better. Due to the mixed response to The Predator, it's uncertain whether the movie will receive a direct sequel now.