# The 1997 movie that gave Winona Ryder a serious case of imposter syndrome: “I couldn’t hold my own”

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/the-1997-movie-that-gave-winona-ryder-a-serious-case-of-imposter-syndrome-i-couldnt-hold-my-own/
- Published: 2026-10-31T16:45:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-31T17:20:28+00:00
- Original publisher: Far Out
- Original article: https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/1997-movie-gave-winona-ryder-imposter-syndrome/
- Topics: Americas, Entertainment, Film, World

## Key points

- Ryder felt she could not match Sigourney Weaver in *Alien Resurrection*.
- Filming an underwater scene triggered anxiety linked to a childhood near-drowning.
- The 1997 film made around $100 million in profit.

## Summary

Winona Ryder said filming *Alien Resurrection* in 1997 left her feeling out of her depth beside Sigourney Weaver and the film’s special effects. Her experience shows how a demanding role can unsettle even an established actor, particularly when it involves confronting a personal fear.

A scene required Ryder to swim in a large tank while being pursued by aliens, an ordeal made more difficult by her near-drowning as a child. She recalled having an anxiety attack on the first day and thinking she would have to be replaced. The film received mixed reviews but made around $100 million in profit, and Ryder’s performance was widely praised.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.