Charlize Theron and Idris Elba star in "Prometheus"
Sir Ridley Scott, the visual genius behind a number of award winning films, (including Bladerunner and Alien) caused a massive fuss when he implied that he his upcoming sci-fi epic, Prometheus would not be an Alien prequel.
Rumors of a new entry into the Alien franchise were confirmed in 2008, when Fox announced that Ridley Scott would be attached to an “Alien reboot” of sorts. One that would explore the origins of the “Space Jockey”, a creature who’s remains appeared in the original Alien film as the dead pilot of an ancient spaceship. According to Sir Ridley however, during the screenwriting process much of that changed. Said the director:
“While ‘Alien’ was indeed the jumping-off point for this project, out of the creative process evolved a new, grand mythology and universe in which this original story takes place. The keen fan will recognize strands of ‘Alien’ ‘s DNA, so to speak, but the ideas tackled in this film are unique, large and provocative. I couldn’t be more pleased to have found the singular tale I’d been searching for, and finally return to this genre that’s so close to my heart.”
A new universe? An original story? A singular tale? The internet was up in arms for some time about the possibility that this new film wouldn’t be connected the 1979 horror masterpiece at all. Fortunately, one look at the very short, taut trailer puts to rest any doubts that Prometheus fits in as part of the Alien franchise. The trailer screams Alien by using similar style titles and sound effects from the original Alien trailer as well as some very specific shots that all but guarantee Prometheus’s plot ties into Alien’s somehow.
What Ridley Scott’s words do imply, quite to our delight, is that his return to the genre will be more than just a space horror story. He’ll explore questions of our creation: Why are we here? Where did we come from? What came before? What does it mean for our future? Some very heavy stuff. Like “2001 A Space Oddessy,” this film features classic sci-fi themes. Add in Scott’s flair for the visual and his great pacing and timing instincts when it comes to horror. In other words, if it’s possible for a space thriller to be better than Alien, Prometheus will show us how it’s done. Says screenwriter Damon Lindelof: “It’s daring, visceral and, hopefully, the last thing anyone expects.” As for how will it all ties back into the original Alien film? The only way to know for sure is to be at your local theater on June 8, 2012.
Prometheus will star Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender, Charlize Theron, Idris Elba, Benidict Wong and Guy Pierce. The film is written by Jon Spaihts and Damon Lindelof and is directed by Ridley Scott. It hits theaters on June 8th, 2012.
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