How many times does this have to be said? Prometheus is a new story within the alien universe, with ties to Ridleys original film. Ridley has said this on record, Fassbender has confirmed the connection of the film to others, as have Noomi Rapace and Idris Elba. However much not a formal prequel, Prometheus is a re-imagining and relaunching of the alien franchise with a different se of characters which basically frees up the mythology from Ripleys story,