But how about Sigourney?

Here’s a weird one. More than a few fans of Ridley Scott’s untouchable Alien (1979) greeted the news that a prequel was on the…

Here's a weird one. More than a few fans of Ridley Scott's untouchable Alien(1979) greeted the news that a prequel was on the way with a degree of suspicion.

It's not often that such belated returns to beloved franchises deliver satisfactory returns. Well, you can relax. It seems that, at some point in its development, Prometheus(for 'tis its name), ceased to be a formal prequel and transformed into
an original drama set in a similar universe to Scott's classic.

"While Alienwas 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," said Sir Ridley, who will wield the megaphone one more time. "The keen fan will recognise strands of Alien'sDNA, 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."

Make of that what you will.

Donald Clarke

Donald Clarke

Donald Clarke, a contributor to The Irish Times, is Chief Film Correspondent and a regular columnist