Charlize Theron and Michael Fassbender Explore Alien World in New 'Promethus' Pics

In 1979, we (and I use that word loosely, as I was not particularly "alive" yet) experienced a science fiction majesty in the form of Ridley Scott's genre-topper, Alien. Seven years later, James Cameron put his spin on Scott's mythology with the not-too-shabbyAliens. After that, we saw a few halfhearted attempts at a revival of the themes and characters created by the first film's screenwriter Dan O'Bannon. We waded through Alien3, Alien: Resurrection,Alien vs. Predator and Alien vs. Predator - Requiem, seeking the charm that made the first Alien such a definitive classic.

Prometheusmight very well be our savior. Scott himselfis helming this new film that embraces the world created back in Alien. The project began, theoretically, as aprequel to Scott's '79masterpiece, but has evolved into an entity all its own. Still, a revisiting to the universe Scott and O'Bannon delivered with such mystery and grandeurway back when will be more than enough of a thrill for many of us.

Below, wehave some exciting new images from thefilm, followed byone of Scott himself directingstarNoomi Rapaceon set.In theimagesdirectly from the film, we seestars Charlize Theron andIdris Elba having sometrouble aboard ship, andMichael Fassbender,Logan Marshall-Greene and Rapace exploring the depths of what seems like a ravaged alien temple.

Prometheus reaches theaters June 8, 2012.