Has Prometheus Actually Killed At The Mountains of Madness?

By Tom Knoblauch / June 8, 2012

"Prometheus" has finally been released in the US. All reviews (including ours) have of course discussed whether or not it lived up to hype or expectations, explored how it fits in with the "Alien" series, and project where a sequel could go, but something else must also be addressed - what does "Prometheus" mean for Guillermo del Toro's "At the Mountains of Madness" adaptation?

Guillermo del Toro has long been attempting to get his passion project off the ground. After multiple stops and starts, the HP Lovecraft adaptation is now in limbo following Universal's decision to drop the R-rated project a couple of years ago fearing it could not recoup its $150 million budget. Following this, del Toro moved onto his Warner Brothers Robots vs. Aliens film "Pacific Rim," due out next summer. He was vocal, however, that he wanted to revive "Mountains" in the near future. Throughout his entire career, Lovecraft has had an incredible influence on del Toro, and his fans have been eager to see the film finally get off the ground. Then, back in May, Guillermo del Toro dropped a bomb that would only further depress his fans.

€œPrometheus started filming a while ago €“ right at the time we were in preproduction on PACIFIC RIM€The title itself gave me pause- knowing that ALIEN was heavily influenced by Lovecraft and his novella. This time, decades later with the budget and place Ridley Scott occupied, I assumed the greek metaphor alluded at the creation aspects of the HPL book. I believe I am right and if so, as a fan, I am delighted to see a new RS science fiction film, but this will probably mark a long pause €“ if not the demise €“ of ATMOM.€

He even went so far as to suggest that the two would likely have the same twist at the ending. Was del Toro speaking from any knowledge of the project outside of the trailers? No, this was mere speculation. Assuming, of course, Idris Elba didn't spill some beans on the "Pacific Rim" set. Let's assume that never happened and take a close look at the two and see just how alike the projects are. Obviously spoilers will follow, so do not keep reading if you are not interested in having either story spoiled for you. Now, I must clarify right away that I am not part of Guillermo del Toro's production company or anyone who has read his recent drafts of the "At The Mountains of Madness" script. I have read the Lovecraft novella as well as an early draft of the script which has been floating around the web for years now. It cannot be attested as to how much del Toro changed for his adaptation, however he has claimed that his movie would be very faithful to the novella. So, let's begin, shall we?