However, despite its mixed reputation, it stands supreme amongAlienfilms in at least one regard.
Much likeAlien: Romulus, contemporary critical reactions toPrometheuswere generally positive.
However,whileAlien: RomulusoutperformedPrometheuscritically, it couldn’t match its financial success.
Even after two follow-up films,Alien: CovenantandAlien: Romulus, it’s a record thatPrometheusstill holds.
However, it’s telling that even with such a positive buzz,Romulusstill couldn’t unseatPrometheusat the summit.
The first, and perhaps most important, is the wider state of theAlienfranchise when the film was released.
Custom image by Tommy Lethbridge
The pulpyAlien vs. Predatorfilms aside,Alienhad remained dormant as a series for 25 years beforePrometheus' release.
Ahead of its release, hopes were high thatPrometheuscould be that film, driving audience interest.
There was also the intriguing mystery around the movie’s story and wider relevance to theAliennarrative.
Another underrated consideration isPrometheus' budget and story.
Movies likeAliendo not need to make $1 billion to justify their existence.
The 2012 film proves that it’s possible to create a more commercially-minded film set in theAlienuniverse.
However, it’s mixed legacy proves that this isn’t necessarily what’s best for the franchise.
2012’s Prometheus is the fifth installment in the Alien franchise and was directed by Ridley Scott. Starring Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender, Idris Elba, and Guy Pearce, the film acts as a direct prequel to 1979’s Alien.
