Just last week, Disney moved their ambitious live-action sci-fi film “John Carter of Mars” from a previously scheduled summer 2012 date to March 8, 2012 pitting it opposite Ridley Scott‘s gestating “Prometheus.” With both films being big, expensive sci-fi projects we figured it was only a matter of time before “Prometheus” shifted and now it has.
20th Century Fox has simply placed “Prometheus” in the vacant June 8, 2012 date “John Carter of Mars” left behind. Frankly, it’s a much better date for what is going to be a massive tentpole vehicle and we didn’t figure it was the kind of movie Ridley Scott was going to bang out in just over a year to make a spring release date. Starring Noomi Rapace and written by Damon Lindelof, details are being kept under wraps for the spinoff/sequel set in the same universe as the “Alien” films but with a new/expanded mythology. So don’t expect a direct, chronological sequel or prequel; this will be slightly different. Angelina Jolie and Charlize Theron are said to be circling the supporting role of the tough, but sexy Vickers in the film.
With a move to the summer, Ridley Scott now has a bit more breathing room as the film ramps up to go into production. It will shoot in 3D utilizing RED Epic cameras with cinematographer Dariusz Wolski (“Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” ”Alice in Wonderland,” “Eagle Eye”) behind the camera and H.R. Giger is expected to be back taking care of creature design.
There is no competition on the June 8, 2012 date yet, but the next Judd Apatow-directed comedy/”Knocked Up” spin-off opens a week before, and Disney’s animated “Brave” hits the following week.[BoxOfficeMojo]
