'Prometheus 2' News Update: Production Delayed As Important Character Decides To Leave?

by Rolly Gacelo / Feb 02, 2016 08:54 PM EST

Prometheus cast in red carpet. Movie's sequel hit snag as Noomi Rapace backs out

The news update for "Prometheus 2," which carries the title "Alien: Covenant," is quite bad as production might be delayed due a major character not returning to the sci-fi thriller.

Apparently, Noomi Rapace is not reprising her role as Elizabeth Shaw, which would be huge since she's the only character left alive in "Prometheus" along with the android, David.

"Chatting with Baz Bamigboye, when asked if (Noomi) Rapace would be returning, Scott confirmed she wouldn't be, adding, "We're still casting the main roles.'" Indie Wire reported, recounting an interview with "Promethues" director Scott Ridley.

A little bit of good news to further avoid a release date delay was Michael Fassbender committing to return for "Prometheus 2." Also, in another cast update, Katherine Waterston will play the lead role of Daniels.

"I think that it would have been really difficult to do a straight-up Alien sequel or Alien prequel because you're beholden to so many of the things that came before it. To be able to shed that stuff [made it easier]," said writer Damon Lindelof told Collider.

"This was Ridley's idea. From the screenwriting standpoint, for me, it was really just all about getting a clear sense of what was the movie that he wanted to make. It's Ridley Scott. The movie is his vision, so I did my best to channel it. We had almost no conversations about any other movies, other then this one, which might have been hubris or it might have been freeing, but it felt good, maybe just because we were drunk."

The synopsis for "Prometheus 2" revealed, "Bound for a remote planet on the far side of the galaxy, the crew of the colony ship Covenant discovers what they think is an uncharted paradise, but is actually a dark, dangerous world - whose sole inhabitant is the "synthetic" David (Michael Fassbender), survivor of the doomed Prometheus expedition."

The release date for "Prometheus 2" has been set for 2017 although there's not exact date yet. Watch out for more news updates when they come along.