The trailer for Prometheus, the sort-of Alien prequel, was released for the holiday weekend, and the first poster has now also been released.

Directed and produced by Ridley Scott and written by Damon Lindelof from an earlier script by Jon Spaihts, Prometheus was based on story ideas originally intended as a prequel to Alien, the first film in the franchise (see “Ridley Scott to Helm New ‘Bladerunner’ Movie”).  But it seems to have morphed into a different kind of story, which while it takes place in the same universe as Alien before the events in the movie franchise, doesn’t necessarily have a lot to do with it.

“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,” Scott said in a statement.  “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.“

The trailer, released on the 20th, was preceded by two teaser trailers promoting its release.

The film stars Noomi Rapace, Charlize Theron, and Patrick Wilson.

It remains to be seen whether Prometheus spawns the same wide range of spin-off content and  merchandise as the Alien franchise has.  The film will release June 8, 2012.