As the "Prometheus" sequel, officially titled "Alien: Covenant" is developing further, fans are seeing more new things that suggest that the upcoming film is taking a different track.
Most recently, comedy actor and "Pineapple Express" star Danny McBride has been reported to be in talks with the studio to become part of the official casting of "Alien: Covenant," where he would be joining a new cast, as well, in the person of up and coming actress Katherine Waterston.
The rumored casting of comedian Danny McBride came as a shock to fans because the "Alien" and "Prometheus" franchises are not known for any humorous theme.
Science Fiction, in its blog, commented, "I'm hoping McBride isn't being included in some kind of ongoing comic relief in the film."
"While humor has existed in the 'Alien' films, it doesn't come up as often and not a direction I believe Ridley Scott would want to take the series," the blog added.
Accordingly, Movie Pilot reported that "Alien: Covenant" is taking "a new direction" and will be dropping religious elements from the movie.
Movie Pilot highlighted in its report that one of the big themes of "Prometheus" was undoubtedly a religion. For one, the Engineers are referred to as Creator, which are representations of God. Noomi Rapace's Elizabeth Shaw also adds significantly to the religious theme of the franchise with her character known to be motivated in seeking the creators of humanity and searching for the paradise: the paradise being compared to heaven.
In a recent development, however, director Ridley Scott confirmed that Noomi Rapace will not be returning to reprise her role as Elizabeth Shaw, which according to Movie Pilot, may be one of the indications that the sequel may really be dropping religious elements.
Another indication is the change in the title from "Alien: Paradise" to "Alien: Covenant," dropping the "paradise" concept. There are reports, however, referencing "Covenant" to the one in the story of Noah, which validly is still biblical.