20th Century Fox has announced that the Untitled Alien Prequel will now be known as Prometheus, with a release date set for March 9, 2012. We reported in October that Noomi Rapace was in contention for a role. Now, her role is confirmed, with the actress portraying Elizabeth Shaw. Angelina Jolie and Charlize Theron are now circling the other lead role of Vickers.

Jon Spaihts wrote the original draft of the script, which is now being rewritten by director Ridley Scott and Damon Lindelof. Here's what Ridley Scott had to say about the storyline for the project:

"While Alien was 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. The keen fan will recognize strands of Alien's DNA, 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."

Damon Lindelof also chimed in on Prometheus, discussing Ridley Scott's vision for the material:

"In a world flooded with prequels, sequels and reboots, I was incredibly struck by just how original Ridley's vision was for this movie. It's daring, visceral and hopefully, the last thing anyone expects. When I sat in a movie theater as a kid, feet raised off the floor for fear that something might grab my ankles, I never dreamed in my wildest imagination I would one day get to collaborate with the man responsible for it. Working alongside him has been nothing short of a dream come true."

Aside from Noomi Rapace's part, there are four other roles to be cast. Fox representatives would only say that the other parts, "would be cast soon."