Ridley Scott's Alien Prequel 'Prometheus' Ready to Launch in 2012

Ridley Scott's Alien Prequel 'Prometheus' Ready to Launch in 2012

Whoa - it's here, the official announcement that Ridley Scott's Alien prequel (or, no longer an Alien prequel, you'll find out why) is in development. Deadline reports that 20th Century Fox has officially announced the title Prometheus and a release date of March 9th, 2012. But here's the catch, it might not exactly be an Alien prequel after all, as it has morphed into something "more original." And this original idea apparently involves five major roles, one of which will be played by Noomi Rapace, the others haven't been cast, but actresses circling roles called "Vickers" are Angelina Jolie and Charlize Theron. More quotes below!

As we already know, Lost's Damon Lindelof came in last year to rewrite Jon Spaihts's original script that he initially drafted for Scott. Well, it expanded into "new directions" (as was hinted at in a recent update) and has become something else. So here's how it's explained in its current form by Ridley Scott himself:

"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."

Wow, Lindelof must've struck some serious gold, because it sounds like he's riled up Scott in a big way and even made sure to get Fox on-board ready to go with a 2012 release date. Deadline spoke to Lindelof who, as well, seemed ecstatic to even be working on the same project: "In a world flooded with prequels, sequels and reboots, I was incredibly struck by just how original Ridley's vision was for this movie. It's daring, visceral and hopefully, the last thing anyone expects. When I sat in a movie theater as a kid, feet raised off the floor for fear that something might grab my ankles, I never dreamed in my wildest imagination I would one day get to collaborate with the man responsible for it. Working alongside him has been nothing short of a dream come true." And with that dream realized, together they're set to bring us Prometheus in 2012!

That's all the info Deadline has for now, also adding that "the other major roles will be cast shortly," as I'm sure production will be aiming to get underway sometime soon this year. This probably explains why Jolie left Gravity and why Noomi Rapace (of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) was one of Scott's top contenders originally. This really sounds incredible, an entirely new sci-fi series from Ridley Scott and Damon Lindelof that brings in new characters in a new universe. And I bet he'll somehow still sneak in an explanation for the "Spacey Jockey" from Alien. Stay tuned for more updates as they arrive! Until then - what do you think?