You know that "Alien Prequel" that Ridley Scott has reportedly been in pre-production on for some time now, the one that was rumored to star Noomi Rapace, a.k.a. the original Swedish "Girl With the Dragon Tattoo"? Well, turns out it's NOT an "Alien" prequel after all; it's a sci-fi flick called "Prometheus" that Scott says was borne of the "Alien" DNA but is a completely original idea.

Twentieth Century Fox made the announcement today, setting the film for a March 9, 2012, release date and confirming that Scott would direct, making his first foray into the sci-fi genre since "Blade Runner." Rapace is set to star in one of five major roles as a character named Elizabeth Shaw, while Deadline reports that Angelina Jolie and Charlize Theron are circling the other main female part of Vickers.

Though the plot is being kept strictly under wraps, Scott did talk about the genesis of the idea, which was originally turned into a screenplay by Jon Spaihts ("The Darkest Hours") but has since been rewritten by Damon Lindelof ("Star Trek," "Lost"). "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," he said. "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."

Added Lindelof: "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."

Are you excited for "Prometheus" even if it isn't an "Alien" prequel?