The Netflix Sci-Fi Thriller Epic That Created Tons Of Controversy

The film brought together an ensemble cast including Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender, Charlize Theron, and Idris Elba.

However, despite its ambitious goals and impressive cast, Prometheus proved to be a divisive entry in the Alien saga with many fans left disappointed with undelivered expectations.

The genesis of Prometheus dates back to the early 2000s when Scott and James Cameron brainstormed ideas for a prequel to the original Alien film. However, the project was put on hold due to the development of Alien vs. Predator.

It wasn’t until 2009 that Scott revived his interest, and in 2010, the project gained momentum with the addition of screenwriter Damon Lindelof.

The resulting script took a departure from a direct prequel, exploring its own mythology and ideas while still sharing some DNA with the Alien universe.

Prometheus entered production in 2010, boasting a budget estimated between $120-130 million. During production, Scott was committed to making the film with practical sets and 3D cameras, which were used to create immersive visuals for the audience at the theaters. 

The cast, featuring Noomi Rapace as the faithful archaeologist Elizabeth Shaw, Michael Fassbender as the enigmatic android David, and Charlize Theron as the mysterious Weyland Corporation employee Meredith Vickers, was meant to bring depth to the characters as they navigated a perilous journey seeking humanity’s origins.

However, after Prometheus’s release, many fans argued that much was left lacking in comparison to previous Alien films.

Prometheus hit theaters in June 2012 and was met with mixed reception. Its strengths lay in stunning visuals, intricate production design, and a few standout performances, particularly Fassbender’s portrayal of the complex android David.

The film’s central theme, inspired by the Greek Titan Prometheus, explored humanity’s relationship with its creators and the consequences of defying them. It explored religious undertones and questions about the coexistence of science and faith.

Despite its ambitious themes, the film faced criticism for an uneven script, underdeveloped characters, and unresolved plot points. Some reviews lauded its visual grandeur and performances but lamented a lack of adventurous storytelling.

Prometheus‘s complex narrative structure that underexplained key plot points, deferring them for a potential sequel, left some audiences wanting more immediate answers.

Critics praised Michael Fassbender’s performance, and the film garnered a 73 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. James Cameron, though enjoying the film, noted logical inconsistencies.

Despite the mixed reception, Prometheus grossed over $403 million worldwide, paving the way for a direct sequel, Alien: Covenant, released in 2017.

In hindsight, Prometheus isn’t all that bad. In fact, many fans now rank it amongst the top three in the Alein franchise.

However, before fans could acknowledge the film’s strengths, they first had to process its shortcomings. 

Now, the film’s legacy lies in its ability to spark debate about the mysteries of creation and the delicate balance between science and faith. If that’s a debate you’re interested in instigating, you can find Prometheus available to stream on Netflix.