Ever since it was announced that Ridley Scott was returning to the Alien franchise with a new prequel, rumors have run rampant regarding the project. Today, it looks like many of the rumors will finally be put to rest, as a large amount of information about the project has surfaced. Ridley Scott will indeed direct the film, titled Prometheus, though it’s no longer a proper prequel to the Alien films. Scott explains:

“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 (Lost, Cowboys and Aliens) wrote the screenplay, and Noomi Rapace is apparently set to star in the lead role of Elizabeth Shaw. We previously told you that Charlize Theron was mulling over the other big lead in the film (Vickers), and now Deadline confirms that Theron is circling that role along with Angelina Jolie. Prometheus is set to be released on March 9, 2012. Hit the jump for more, including what Lindelof has to say.

Damon Lindelof spoke about the joy of having an original story:

"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."

Given the amount of rumors that have piled up about this project over the past year, it’s nice to finally get some solid confirmation from the filmmakers. Scott had previously talked about there being two prequel films, both in 3D, but it’s currently not known if any of his previous comments about the project still stand given the transformation it has gone through.

Lindelof’s re-write of the script is apparently what got all the parties involved excited about a new direction for the film, and it looks like they were busy developing this new idea while everyone in the blogosphere was still speculating on what little information we had. 20th Century Fox will release Prometheus on March 9, 2012. Expect more casting info sooner rather than later, with filming probably expected to get underway sometime soon in order to make that release date.