The Last Voyage of the Demeter
“Demeter” is the name of the ship that carried Dracula’s coffin from Transylvania to England in Bram Stoker’s classic tale.
The story, penned by Bragi Schut Jr., is based on a chapter in Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” describing the arrival of the vampire count in England on a cargo ship that has crashed into the rocks at Whitby with no crew and the dead captain lashed to the steering wheel. Stoker tells the story via the captain’s log of the voyage, which begins in Bulgaria and becomes increasingly disjointed as members of the crew disappear.
Written by Bragi Schut, it’s said to place the voyage center stage in a tale that is reminiscent of the first movie in the Alien franchise, in which a crew is slaughtered one-by-one by a mysterious passenger.
UPDATED: ‘Prometheus 2′: In Space No One Can Hear Ridley Scott and Fox Scream at Damon Lindelof
Update: Lindelof has responded to Slashfilm. We are including his response below the jump. He sheds some interesting light on the situation – but that doesn’t change the fact that Fox and Scott have no idea what to do now in regard to Prometheus 2.
Exclusive: Watching the 18 hours of extra features on the Prometheus Blu-ray I learned that Twentieth Century Fox didn’t trust screenwriter Jon Spaihts enough to run with his script, so they hired a big name to “clean up” Spaihts’ vision. This big draw was none other than “Lost,” Cowboys & Aliens and Star Trek Into Darkness writer Damon Lindelof, pictured.
Those of you who’ve obsessed over the quasi-Alien prequel as much as I have know that Spaihts’ vision was a one-shot**, meaning Prometheus lead right into Ridley Scott’s 1979 Alien. In fact, a source in pre-production at the time had leaked story details proclaiming that the movie takes place on the planet LV-426 where the elusive Space Jockey was first seen. At the finale of Prometheus, the Jockey ship that crashes is the exact same ship that Ripley and her crew discover in Alien. It’s a beautiful way to bridge the new sci-fi epic with the old one. But, if you saw Prometheus, you know that’s not what happened. The movie’s events don’t even take place on the same planet, occurring instead on LV 223 (which is ridiculous and means the Engineers are truly terrible at piloting their ships, crashing them all over the place).
Why? Greed took over.
Lindelof transformed Prometheus into a “trilogy”, thus stripping the first film’s conclusion of any meaning and setting Ridley and Fox up for disaster. This disaster was perpetuated when Lindelof announced he wouldn’t be penning the sequel. So, in short, the guy who convinced the filmmakers to make a trilogy, left them in the dust…
Sources close to the sequel have told Bloody Disgusting that the studio and Scott are literally “freaking out” over how to continue the story of Elizabeth Shaw (Noomi Rapace), and are taking pitches from basically anyone who can crack the story*. While a sequel is nearly inevitable, it definitely puts it in flux, and in a state of jeopardy.
*We expect everyone surrounding the project to deny this story. That’s standard procedure. Don’t believe ‘em.
**Twitter follower @JonSheasby pointed us to a contradiction at Empire Magazine, where Spaihts says Scott and him talked trilogy prior to Lindelof’s hiring. You can read the bits below. READ MORE
Ridley Scott Still Moving Forward on ‘Prometheus 2,’ Says Noomi Rapace
It’s almost been a year since Ridley Scott’s Prometheus blasted into theaters leaving half the world disappointed. The other half, or maybe even less than half, thought the quasi Alien prequel was pretty fantastic. A year later, I stand by this having watched it on Blu-ray multiple times. It’s awesome.
With that said, most of you are about to groan as I report that Scott is still developing a sequel over at Fox. Noomi Rapace, who starred as Elizabeth Shaw in the first film, reveals to The Playlist that they’re currently working on the screenplay.
“They’re working on the script. I met Ridley in London a couple of weeks ago,” said Rapace. “I would love to work with him again and I know that he would like to do another one. It’s just like we need to find the right story. I hope we will.”
“And it’s interesting because people, most people I’ve talked to who see the movie, see things that are quite different. Some people who see the movie many times and discover new things. There are all these religious aspects and there are very interesting conversations,” Rapace explained. “And for me, if we do a second one, there are a lot of things to explore in there and to continue.” She added: “I would love to do it.”
Rapace is the franchise’s new lead, so it would be a shocker if she wasn’t already locked in for the trilogy. I’d go as far as to say, it’s not her choice.
[Script To Scream] Would ‘Alien: Engineers’ Have Been A Better Movie Than ‘Prometheus’?!
Wow! It’s been a long time since I’ve done this column but I think the surfacing of the script for Alien: Engineers, the original incarnation of Prometheus, is a pretty good occasion, right? Ever since the release of Prometheus over the summer there’s been intense debate between the film’s fans and its (many) detractors – would it have been better as a straight Alien prequel? Would it have made more sense? Would the characters still have been petting alien vagina snakes for no reason? I mostly liked the film, but I certainly understand some of these gripes.
We’ve always known that there are two writers on the film, Jon Spaihts and Damon Lindelof. Many of the film’s logical shortcomings were laid at the latter’s feet, which is understandable. He was the last writer on the project. But now that Spaihts’ original draft of Alien: Engineers has surfaced we can trace the exact origins of the elements that made up Prometheus. And, true to the conceit of the film, the answers are frustrating. While there’s some cool stuff, including lots more actual Xenomorph/Alien carnage, in Alien: Engineers – it’s surprisingly close to the Prometheus we’ve come to know and love (or hate).
So now it’s time to do an in-depth breakdown of some key differences. Do they still pet the snake? Does Fifield still turn into a Zombie? Is all of the “God” stuff still in there? Does old man Weyland still show up at the end to take you out of the movie?
All is answered inside. READ MORE
[OMFG] Read The ‘Prometheus’ Script Before Damon Lindelof Rewrote It!!!
Over the past few weeks I had been on the hunt for a certain screenplay, one that has now leaked online thanks to Scribd.
BY CLICKING HERE you can download and read Jon Spaihts’ “Alien: Engineers,” his original screenplay for Fox’s Alien prequel that was later rewritten by Damon Lindelof as Prometheus, the final product that’s now on home video.
Spaihts, who also penned the garbage The Darkest Hour, is said to had focused on keeping the story within the actual realm of Alien – meaning, you’ll read about facehuggers, chestbursters and all that good stuff.
While I am one of the rare few who actually enjoy Prometheus, I am still dying to see how the original story played out, and why Fox felt the need to bring in Lindelof to mix it up. We’ll report back with a “Script to Scream” soon enough…. READ MORE
Horror Education of the Week: ‘Prometheus’
Prometheus.
Some of you liked it. The majority of you hated it.
I adore it.
The prequel/not a prequel to Alien (and now maybe it’s a sequel to Blade Runner) follows Dr. Elizabeth Shaw and Dr. Charlie Holloway, along with a crew, to LV-223. After finding multiple drawings across Earth, all depicting the same god-like figure, they set out on their journey to this distant planet. There they hope to find the answers to mankind.
Perhaps Prometheus can be seen as a warning to our society to not put our trust in man as a god. It can also be seen as a warning to not put all of our faith in an invisible God.
READ MORE
Official ‘Prometheus’ Home Video Specs Have Been Revealed; Check Out More Deleted Imagery!
Renowned director Ridley Scott takes fans on a gripping sci-fi adventure that “kicks ass so hard and often that it’s impossible not to be thrilled by it” (Peter Travers, Rolling Stone). Launching into space to discover the mysterious creators of the human race, the “genuinely epic” (Tom Long, Detroit News) film, Prometheus, debuts globally on Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray and DVD October 9 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. An unmatched home entertainment experience, watch the highly-anticipated blockbuster hit in the format it was meant to be viewed, stunning 3D high-definition. (Check out some Blu-ray menus and new images from yet another deleted scene.)
Written by Damon Lindelof (“Lost”) and Jon Spaihts, Prometheus features outstanding performances by Academy Award winner Charlize Theron (Monster), Golden Globe-nominee Michael Fassbender (Inglourious Basterds), Guy Pearce (Memento), Noomi Rapace (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) and Logan Marshall-Green (Devil).
Loaded with over seven hours of bonus material, the Prometheus 4-Disc Collector’s Edition and 2-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack feature the original theatrical release and are available in premium packaging. Fans can get the ultimate Prometheus experience with an Alternate Opening and Ending, Deleted and Alternate Scenes, access to “Peter Weyland’s Files,” commentary by directors and writers, a cutting-edge Prometheus Weyland Corp. Archive Second Screen App and more! READ MORE
Get A Taste Of The Deleted Opening Scene From ‘Prometheus’!
Fox Home Entertainment has a released a fresh preview trailer for the upcoming Prometheus Blu-ray release that comes rocking both alternate and deleted scenes. In the trailer you can get a taste of the scene “Arrival of the Engineers,” an alternate opening trimmed to leave room for audience interpretation. Thanks to “David” for the heads up.
You can grab your digital copy of the film here. This digital release also includes audio commentary from Ridley Scott as well as a “Transmision” featurette video (2:43 min) similar to the one released earlier this month. You’ll find dozens of deleted scenes images by clicking here.
Fox will release Ridley Scott’s Alien spinoff, starring Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender, Charlize Theron, Idris Elba, Sean Harris, Guy Pearce, Kate Dickie, Rafe Spall, Logan Marshall-Green, Benedict Wong, Emun Elliott, Patrick Wilson and Ian Whyte, on physical discs on October 11. It follows “A team of explorers who discover a clue to the origins of mankind on Earth, leading them on a thrilling journey to the darkest corners of the universe. There, they must fight a terrifying battle to save the future of the human race.” READ MORE
Vatican Newspaper Says ‘Prometheus’ Mishanded Delicate Questions
The Vatican’s official newspaper attacked Ridley Scott’s Prometheus, taking issue with the film’s premise about the origins of mankind and saying it is “a bad idea to defy the gods,” explains the Hollywood Reporter.
The film, which opened in Italy Sept. 14, stars Michael Fassbender, Noomi Rapace, and Charlize Theron in a story about a team of explorers seeking to understand the origins of mankind on earth after discovering a series of clues left behind by ancient civilizations.
L’Osservatore Romano, the Vatican’s official newspaper, said Prometheus “mishandles the delicate questions raised by … the battle eternal between good and evil in yet another attempt to steak the secret of immortality.” The newspaper also said that “the journey of Prometheus should instead symbolize the search for the supernatural,” referring to the original hero of Greek mythology who is said to have created man from clay.
Prometheus, now on iTunes, releases on Blu-ray and DVD October 9. READ MORE
‘Prometheus’ Deleted Scenes Released Via iTunes, Here’s A Sneak Peak!!
iTunes has released the HD digital version of Prometheus today which features 4 new alternate and deleted scenes from the film. Fansite AvP Galaxy has shared a selection of exclusive images from said scenes, including the “The Engineer Speaks” and “Final Battle”. The other two additional scenes are “Skin” and “Janek fills Vickers in”. You can grab your digital copy of the film here. This digital release also includes audio commentary from Ridley Scott as well as a “Transmision” featurette video (2:43 min) similar to the one released earlier this month. You’ll find dozens of deleted scenes images by clicking here. Thanks to “David” for the heads up.
Fox will release Ridley Scott’s Alien spinoff, starring Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender, Charlize Theron, Idris Elba, Sean Harris, Guy Pearce, Kate Dickie, Rafe Spall, Logan Marshall-Green, Benedict Wong, Emun Elliott, Patrick Wilson and Ian Whyte, on physical discs on October 11. It follows “A team of explorers who discover a clue to the origins of mankind on Earth, leading them on a thrilling journey to the darkest corners of the universe. There, they must fight a terrifying battle to save the future of the human race.” READ MORE
Image From Deleted ‘Prometheus’ Scene Has Strong Ties To ‘Alien’
Twentieth Century Fox’s Prometheus, Ridley Scott’s Alien prequel, hits Blu-ray next month. There’s supposed to be a lot of deleted scenes on the thing, and this image from one of them hints at a strong visual connection with Alien. Remember them finding the shed skin from when the beast grew? Well…
This scene is almost certainly on the Blu and might also be avail as an iTunes extra on the HD download (link here), which comes out a few weeks early on September 18th.
Fox will release the Alien spinoff, starring Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender, Charlize Theron, Idris Elba, Sean Harris, Guy Pearce, Kate Dickie, Rafe Spall, Logan Marshall-Green, Benedict Wong, Emun Elliott, Patrick Wilson and Ian Whyte, on physical discs on October 11.
Head inside to check it out! READ MORE
New ‘Prometheus’ Viral Video And HD Download Release Date
Twentieth Century Fox’s Prometheus, Ridley Scott’s Alien prequel, hits Blu-ray next month. Earlier we were teased with this massive list of extra features that were approved for the UK release – and I still believe we’re waiting on US specs.
So what is this viral video then? It reminds me of the character pieces that were released leading up to the film’s theatrical release, so maybe this is some kind of Blu-ray hint? Does it key into any of the deleted scenes? Your guess is as good as mine. Also, for those not interested in extras (or actual 1080p resolution), 20th Century Fox is making the film available for HD download (iTunes etc…) September 18th.
Fox will release the Alien spinoff, starring Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender, Charlize Theron, Idris Elba, Sean Harris, Guy Pearce, Kate Dickie, Rafe Spall, Logan Marshall-Green, Benedict Wong, Emun Elliott, Patrick Wilson and Ian Whyte, on physical discs on October 11.
Head inside for the video! READ MORE
Wicked Stills From Deleted ‘Prometheus’ Scene Feature A Mutated Fifield
While we await Twentieth Century Fox’s official Blu-ray announcement for Prometheus, Ridley Scott’s Alien prequel, we were teased with this massive list of extra features that were approved for the UK release.
Many of the deleted scenes had teased what had already been suspected, there’s a rash of information forthcoming that will add some much-needed depth to the vague sci-fi horror. Much to the delight of “Cinefex” readers, the magazine was provided with some deleted plate effects work for Fifield’s undead character. The images are owned by Fox, not Cinefex (just to be clear).
“To mutate Fifield beyond what was possible using practical makeup effects, Weta Digital generated a digital character with elongated limbs and an engorged, transluscent head, incorporating a semblance of Harris’ face,” writes the magazine. “Scott filmed the sequence both with the actor in makeup and without, providing clean plates that would allow for the insertion of the digital character. The final cut featured mostly makeup effects, which Weta enhanced with digital wire removal, bullet hits, and one shot of the digital creature’s body blended to the actor.”
Fox will release the Alien spinoff, starring Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender, Charlize Theron, Idris Elba, Sean Harris, Guy Pearce, Kate Dickie, Rafe Spall, Logan Marshall-Green, Benedict Wong, Emun Elliott, Patrick Wilson and Ian Whyte, October 11. READ MORE
[TIFF '12] Brian de Palma’s ‘Passion’ An Erotic Thriller With A Hint Of Giallo!
It’s easy for a trailer to ber misleading, but Brian de Palma’s Passion looks incredibly dark for an erotic thriller. Rachel McAdams (Sherlock Holmes) and Prometheus‘s Noomi Rapace both star (and appear to get it on), as does Karoline Herfurth and Paul Anderson
The pic, premiering at next month’s Toronto International Film Festival, is described as an erotic thriller in the tradition of Dressed To Kill and Basic Instinct.,
“It tells the story of a deadly power struggle between two women in the dog-eat-dog world of international business. Christine possesses the natural elegance and casual ease associated with one who has a healthy relationship with money and power. Innocent, lovely and easily exploited, her admiring protégé, Isabelle, is full of cutting-edge ideas that Christine has no qualms about stealing. They’re on the same team, after all… But when Isabelle falls into bed with one of Christine’s lovers, war breaks out.”
Check out the trailer and first batch of stills. READ MORE
Sneaky Fans Compile List Of ‘Prometheus’ Extras, Including Loads Of Deleted Scenes!
It’s days like today that I love the internet, and all of the kids who have nothing but free time.
Discovered on the BBFC website was a list of the extra features for the forthcoming UK release of Ridley Scott’s Prometheus on DVD and Blu-ray.
By reading beyond the break you’ll find all approved extra features. In addition, fan site Prometheus News has a collection of deleted and alternate shots/scenes (although the home video release collects everything in actual footage). You can read about various deleted scenes here, here and here (we’ve been busy).
Thus far, here’s a list of deleted scenes that have been approved for inclusion on the discs.
ALTERNATE AND DELETED SCENES: [34:54]
* ARRIVAL OF THE ENGINEERS [2:31]
* T’IS THE SEASON [0:58]
* OUR FIRST ALIEN [0:42]
* SKIN [0:42]
* WE’RE NOT ALONE ANYMORE [1:22]
* STRANGE BEDFELLOWS [2:57]
* HOLLOWAY HUNGOVER [1:25]
* DAVID’S OBJECTIVE [0:23]
* JANEK FILLS VICKERS IN [3:27]
* A KING HAS HIS REIGN [3:40]
* FIFIELD ATTACKS [2:01]
* THE ENGINEER SPEAKS [4:06]
* FINAL BATTLE [5:30]
* PARADISE [5:05] READ MORE
‘Prometheus’ Sequel Confirmed, Fassbender And Rapace Return!
It’s been openly stated by both director Ridley Scott and writer Damon Lindelof that Prometheus is the first in a planned trilogy all set to bridge the franchise and Scott’s 1979 classic Alien. The Hollywood Reporter confirms at least a sequel.
The $130 million-budgeted film grossed a solid but not spectacular $303 million globally, putting it right on the franchise bubble. Twentieth Century Fox confirms to the mag that Scott and the studio actively are pushing ahead with a follow-up (stars Michael Fassbender and Noomi Rapace are signed) and are talking to new writers because Prometheus co-scribe Damon Lindelof might not be available (good news for those of you who hate his non-explanatory writing style).
“Ridley is incredibly excited about the movie, but we have to get it right. We can’t rush it,” says Fox president of production Emma Watts, who also has overseen the successful reboots of the X-Men and Planet of the Apes franchises by turning over the reigns to innovative filmmakers.
According to the site, a Prometheus sequel would be released in 2014 or 2015. Write your reviews of the first film here.
The Monitor
Anna and her eight year old son Anders are under the witness protection program following a difficult relationship with Anders’ father. They move into a large apartment complex. Anna becomes overprotective of her son and even buys a babycall to keep track of him. Soon, strange noises from other apartments appear on the monitor, and Anna overhears what might be the murder of a child. Meanwhile, Anders’ mysterious new friend starts visiting at odd hours, claiming that he has keys for all the doors in the building … Does this new friend know anything about the murder? And why is Anders’ drawing stained with blood? Is Anna’s son still in danger?
Viggo Mortensen Offered Lead In Dracula Tale, ‘The Last Voyage of the Demeter’
Some interesting news landed on our doorstep for Millenium Films’ The Last Voyage of the Demeter, the ex-Summit/Sony Screen Gems project that’s been in development hell since 2004. Movement was confirmed back in May when Dog Soldiers, Doomsday and The Descent‘s Neil Marshall was attached to direct. Now we’ve got more from the ship that carried Dracula’s coffin from Transylvania to England.
Although yet to be confirmed, we’re told Ben Kingsley is still attached to play the film’s Captain. In addition, Viggo Mortensen (A History of Violence, The Road, The Lord of the Rings) has been offered the lead role of “Henry Clemens,” a source exclusively reveals to Bloody. There’s no real word on Noomi Rapace, coming off Prometheus, other than she “may” still be starring as “Anna Billington.” I can only guess it comes down to scheduling, especially with a movie that’s been stuck ashore for nearly a decade.
The latest draft was written by Lowell Cauffiel and is said to place the voyage center stage in a tale that is reminiscent of the first movie in the Alien franchise, in which a crew is slaughtered one-by-one by a mysterious passenger. READ MORE
[BD Review] The Flaws And Glory Of ‘Prometheus’, For Those Who Have Seen The Film Only
You’ve already read Brad’s review and checked out David Harley’s thoughts on Ridley Scott’s Prometheus, the quasi-Alien prequel that’s now in theaters.
The film is proving to be a commercial hit, having made $21 million dollars on Friday alone. This means a lot of you have likely seen it and are ready to talk about specific events within it, along with what works in the film and what doesn’t. So here’s where my review comes in. It’s full of spoilers and even points out a lot of things that don’t work in the film, but ultimately is certainly favorable. If you haven’t seen the movie yet, I’d recommend fixing that before you read this.
“This may read like a bad review at this point, but I actually really like the movie. In fact, I almost love it. But an honest assessment of the film has to acknowledge its shortcomings if I’m going to expect you guys (or myself) to buy into any of this.”
I would love a discussion with you guys about this and I obviously welcome all dissenting comments. So please head inside for the review and feel free to comment or yell or whatever. And, as always, make sure to write your own review as well! READ MORE
Prometheus (Alien prequel)
Ridley Scott, director of ‘Alien’ and ‘Blade Runner,’ returns to the genre he helped define. With PROMETHEUS, he creates a groundbreaking mythology, in which a team of explorers discover a clue to the origins of mankind on Earth, leading them on a thrilling journey to the darkest corners of the universe. There, they must fight a terrifying battle to save the future of the human race.
[Video Interview] Sir Ridley Scott On The Intermingling Of Science And Religion In ‘Prometheus’, Its Potential Sequel And ‘Alien: Paradise’
Update: We’ve included an exclusive clue (#4 out of 15) to help you unlock a Prometheus viral map. Check it out below the video.
Ridley Scott’s Prometheus is only a couple of days away from its US release and I highly recommend it. You may have just read David Harley’s review – which makes many good points – but I liked it more than he did. My opinion of it is somewhere in the 8/10 range of Brad’s review. I also can’t stress enough how much you shouldn’t be expecting something similar to Alien. Prometheus is its own movie and its best to approach it on those terms (and let the Alien elements be bonus points along the way). I’m posting my spoiler heavy review (for discussion purposes) late tomorrow after the film’s US release. In the meantime, I’m continuing with our exclusive video interviews.
Today’s interview is with Ridley Scott himself, who I spoke to in London last week. We talk at length about the ideas and themes in the film, and also touch a bit on what the tone of the sequel might be (if it happens). Scott is a verbose, thoughtful man and I recommend giving him 6 or so minutes of your undivided attention.
“With ‘Prometheus,’ Scott creates a groundbreaking mythology, in which a team of explorers discover a clue to the origins of mankind on Earth, leading them on a thrilling journey to the darkest corners of the universe. There, they must fight a terrifying battle to save the future of the human race.”
I’ve already posted an interview with Noomi Rapace and Michael Fassbender as well as my chats with Charlize Theron, Guy Pearce and Logan Marshall-Green. Also, over the next few days I’ll be posting two separate pieces with Damon Lindelof. Prometheus opens in the US on June 8th (click here for Brad’s spoiler light review). Head inside to check out the interview (and beware of mild spoilers I suppose). READ MORE
[BD Review] ‘Prometheus’ Has Epic Scope, Muddled & Uneven
With my review posted here, and Evan’s spoiler-fueled discussion coming after release, below are David Harley’s thoughts on Ridley Scott’s Prometheus, the quasi-Alien prequel in theaters Friday.
In the latest film, “Scott creates a groundbreaking mythology, in which a team of explorers discover a clue to the origins of mankind on Earth, leading them on a thrilling journey to the darkest corners of the universe. There, they must fight a terrifying battle to save the future of the human race.”
Get the review inside and then check back here to write your own this coming weekend. READ MORE
[Video Interview] Noomi Rapace And Michael Fassbender On Being Opposite Sides Of The Same Coin In ‘Prometheus’
Despite some flaws, I’ve seen Ridley Scott’s Prometheus twice now and I really like it. As I continue to work on my spoiler heavy review (which I’m posting for discussion purposes right after the film’s US release), I’m unloading some exclusive content for you guys. First up is my video interview with Noomi Rapace (Elizabeth Shaw) and Michael Fassbender (David).
I think it’s appropriate that these two are paired together, since their characters in Prometheus kind of take opposing sides of one of the film’s central arguments.
“With ‘Prometheus,’ Scott creates a groundbreaking mythology, in which a team of explorers discover a clue to the origins of mankind on Earth, leading them on a thrilling journey to the darkest corners of the universe. There, they must fight a terrifying battle to save the future of the human race.”
Coming later this week we have additional video pieces with Charlize Theron, Guy Pearce, Damon Lindelof, Logan Marshal-Green and Ridley Scott. Prometheus opens in the US on June 8th (click here for Brad’s spoiler light review). Head inside to check out the interview (and beware of mild spoilers I suppose). READ MORE


















EXCLUSIVE: Platinum Dunes Partnering With Paramount For ‘Friday The 13th’ Sequel!!!