Although Prometheus struggled to redirect the Alien franchise’s trajectory, its legacy might have been more impactful had it severed its ties to the Alien saga. Following Alien: Resurrection and the lackluster Alien vs. Predator films, the franchise seemed to be on the brink of extinction. However, hope was rekindled when Ridley Scott—the visionary behind the original 1979 Alien—announced a return to the helm with Prometheus.
Initially, it was suggested that Prometheus would exist in the broader Alien universe but not be a direct sequel. Nonetheless, the film ultimately intertwined more deeply with established lore than initially conveyed. The mixed reviews for Prometheus culminated in the contentious Alien: Covenant, concluding Scott’s renewed approach to the series. Critics argue that this sci-fi narrative could have excelled had it not attempted to adhere to the Alien branding.
The Weakest Aspect of Ridley Scott’s Prometheus: Its Alien Connection
Prometheus’s Innovative Sci-Fi Concepts Were Restricted by Franchise Constraints
The announcement of Ridley Scott revisiting the Alien universe sparked considerable excitement; thus, the subsequent shortcomings of Prometheus—when anchoring itself to Alien lore—are perplexing. While defenders of the film acknowledge its ambitious sci-fi narrative, they concede that its forward-thinking themes often get obscured by its dedication to the franchise.
At its core, Prometheus is an original sci-fi narrative burdened by the expectations tied to the Alien brand. It offers a gripping tale of a team of explorers venturing into the cosmos upon discovering clues related to the beings that may have created humanity. Unfortunately, this intriguing storyline evolves into an exploration of xenomorph origins, diverting attention from more compelling questions that had not resonated strongly with the audience. The allure of the xenomorphs—as iconic horror creatures—is further diluted in this context.
Given the emphasis on Alien themes in both Prometheus and Alien: Covenant, it’s not surprising to learn that Scott himself was growing weary of the franchise’s monstrous legacy. Following Alien: Covenant, he candidly expressed to The Hollywood Reporter his belief that the “beast has almost run out,”hinting at his diminishing enthusiasm for the xenomorph narrative.
While the recent success of Alien: Romulus may contradict Scott’s viewpoint, it’s clear that his disinterest in revisiting the franchise’s monstrous elements led to Prometheus being perceived as a missed opportunity. Instead of soaring with innovative ideas, it became ensnared in franchise constraints, frustrating die-hard fans while failing to capitalize on its unique concepts.
Prometheus Could Have Sparked a New Sci-Fi Franchise
Ridley Scott Aimed for Themes Beyond the Alien Universe
Despite the muddled Alien connections, beneath the surface lies a riveting original sci-fi narrative brimming with unique ideas. The film explores humanity’s relentless quest for cosmic understanding and the search for immortality. The Engineers, as creators devoid of affection for their creations, juxtapose the character of David (portrayed by Michael Fassbender), who grapples with his emerging superiority over his creators.
Prometheus provides a fascinating look at the Engineers as formidable foes with chilling revelations, while David evolves into one of the most complex characters within the Alien saga. As an android who questions his purpose throughout Prometheus and Alien: Covenant, David’s journey reflects the haunting realities of creation and the consequences of hubris.
If Ridley Scott had refrained from tethering these themes to the existing Alien franchise and presented them as an independent sci-fi tale, the film would likely have flourished. While comparisons to Scott’s earlier works would still arise, the creative freedom of an original narrative could have transcended typical franchise confines, enabling a more fulfilling storytelling experience.
Had Prometheus Been Original, It Would Have Enjoyed Multiple Sequels
Prometheus and Alien: Covenant: Looking at Failures Within Franchise Context
The narrative initiated with Prometheus remained unfulfilled after the lukewarm reception of Alien: Covenant. Ultimately, Scott’s best opportunity for narrative expansion lay in severing connections with the Alien legacy. Upon its debut, Prometheus achieved financial success and garnered positive reviews; however, a sense of disappointment lingered due to its perceived shortcomings as a true Alien film.
| Movie | Box Office | Rotten Tomatoes |
|---|---|---|
| Alien (1979) | $204 million | 93% Critics / 94% Audiences |
| Aliens (1986) | $183 million | 94% Critics / 94% Audiences |
| Alien 3 (1992) | $159 million | 44% Critics / 46% Audiences |
| Alien Resurrection (1997) | $161 million | 55% Critics / 39% Audiences |
| Alien vs. Predator (2004) | $177 million | 22% Critics / 39% Audiences |
| Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007) | $130 million | 12% Critics / 30% Audiences |
| Prometheus (2012) | $403 million | 73% Critics / 68% Audiences |
| Alien: Covenant (2017) | $240 million | 65% Critics / 55% Audiences |
| Alien: Romulus (2024) | $351 million | 80% Critics / 85% Audiences |
Addressing the criticism, the subsequent film, Alien: Covenant, leaned heavily into its title, suggesting a stronger connection to the Alien lineage. Yet even without classic xenomorphs, it became evident that Scott’s disinterest in revisiting familiar territory persisted, resulting in another disappointing amalgamation of Alien tropes and undelivered original ideas. The need for a fresh direction ultimately led to the abandonment of the Prometheus storyline in favor of Alien: Romulus.
Had Prometheus been conceived as an independent project, the stakes and expectations might have been radically different. This change could have allowed for further exploration of its intriguing themes without the constraints of established lore. Rather than feeling compelled to adhere to fan anticipation for Alien content, Scott could have completed a narrative that resonated more deeply with audiences. Ultimately, while Prometheus continues to play a role in the Alien universe, it seems unlikely that this storyline will receive a proper resolution.