If you’re looking for a detailed Prometheus movie ending explained guide, you’re not alone. Ridley Scott’s 2012 sci-fi horror masterpiece left audiences with more questions than answers, sparking endless fan theories about humanity’s origins, the Engineers, and the terrifying Xenomorph connection. Serving as a prequel to the Alien franchise, Prometheus takes viewers on a chilling journey where science, faith, and survival collide in deep space. This article breaks down the entire plot, explores key mysteries, and provides a clear explanation of the film’s shocking ending so you can fully understand one of the most thought-provoking sci-fi films ever made.
Prometheus Movie Plot Story
The movie is about a group of explorers led by two scientists to the darkest part of the universe after a clue to mankind’s origin is discovered. They wanted to find out why mankind was created. Where the sponsor of the expedition, Peter Weyland had another intention in mind as well.Though they had expected to meet some godly beings, but what they found was their worst nightmare and they definitely weren’t ready for all the terror that was waiting. Can they escape from here? What will be their fate?
After the movie was released, many debates and confusions came into viewer’s mind as there were many questions that remains unanswered. Some enjoyed the graphics, screenplay and acting and while others found it boring to watch.
Here’s the movie plot, explanation and all the questions that might come to your head.
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Is Alien:Covenant a sequel to Prometheus?
Yes it is. The movie alien: covenant’s story took place 11 years after the expedition shown in Prometheus went missing.
In What Order Should I Watch Prometheus?
The Prometheus movie explains the origin of the alien franchise and so is the prequel to alien. Though it was released a lot later than the Alien movies.
The order is shown below:
- Prometheus (2012)
- Alien: Covenant (2017)
- Alien (1979)
- Aliens (1986)
- Alien: Resurrection (1997)
What/who is Prometheus?
Prometheus has different meanings. In the movie, Prometheus is the name of the spaceship that the crews are in for a journey hoping to meet their creators.
While in Greek mythology, Prometheus is a Greek Titan Prometheus in mythology who created mortals. He is the god of fire. Also known for the theft of fire for human use and later was punished by Zeus. His theft of fire helped the humankind to progress. He is also known for the search of scientific knowledge which is represented by the both ship and movie’s name.
Why did they decide to go to the expedition?
In the beginning of the movie, two archeologist named Elizabeth and Charlie, discovered an ancient star map. Where they saw humans worshiping someone who was pointing to some planets. By which they believed that the creators of humanity is inviting them to go there. With this purpose they began the expedition.
But the sponsor of the expedition, Peter Weyland actually wanted to know the secret of immortality from the engineers (creators of mankind) as they use to live for millions of years. But later one of the engineers killed him instead.
Is David a human?
David is a philosophical questions about creation, an advnaced android who is created by Peter Weyland, the founder of the Weyland Corporation. David is a very important character in the movie. There is one thing to know about him. He is very curious.
He secretly collected the black liquid and later mixed it in Holloway’s drink. Then Holloway started to feel sick and his health got worse and worse. At one stage, Vickers didn’t want to let him in and had to burn him using flamethrower.
What was the cobra like creature?
The cobra like creatures which killed the two stupid scientists are named as Hammerpede. They were actually the worms seen earlier in the movie. But later became a result of being dragged into the black liquid.
What is the black liquid?
The black liquid is a biological weapon created by engineers. It has the ability to create new species by change host’s DNA while keeping some of the host’s features as well. That’s why in the movie, when the worms, scientist and Holloway came in contact with the liquid, they stayed in their form but became more aggressive violent and strong.
Why did the engineer’s DNA matched with human?
Because engineers created mankind with the black liquid. As it is seen in the very beginning of the movie that an engineer drinks the black liquid which degrades his body and his DNA gets mixed into the water. By which mankind was created. And that’s why the engineer’s DNA matched with human’s.
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Why were they able to breath in that room?
The main reason behind this was cleared by the captain of the ship himself. He was talking with Shaw that he thinks they were on a military base as there were biological weapons in there. And that is why they created a room where they could breath freely. It is because the engineers had similar DNA like humans, so they also needed oxygen and other requirements that a human need to breath.
How the octopus like specie was created?
The octopus type specie called Trilobite was created because of Holloway and Shaw. As David mixed a drop of black liquid in Holloway’s drink, the black liquid was making changes in Holloway’s DNA and body. Ann when Holloway and Shaw made love, it got transferred into Shaw’s womb and started growing though Shaw being infertile. Finding out she became desperate to do abortion. Thus giving birth to the specie.
What was the engineer’s plan? And why.
As David could understand the language of the engineers. He got to know that the engineers were supposed to come to the earth to destroy and kill all the humans. But they couldn’t. As the sleeping engineer awakes, He teared David’s head and killed Weyland. And then to continue his mission he starts the spaceship to come to earth. Later the captain of Prometheus ship sacrificed himself and crashed the ship to eventually destroy both ships.
As to why they decided to kill humans, it is mostly because they were dissatisfied by humans. All the death and destructions by humans and their nature perhaps disappointed them. That’s why they decided to end humankind.
How Xenomorph was created
Xenomorph was created when the engineer and the octopus like thing was fighting. At one point the octopus like thing Killed the engineer laying his egg on him. After that the octopus like thing died too. Later it is seen that the body of the engineer keeps shaking and a specie comes out of him which is the first xenomorph.
Prometheus Movie Ending Explained
In the end, Elizabeth was left all alone in the planet and David wanted her to help him. He also ensured her that there were many more space ships in the planet and as he knows the language of the engineers, he could go back home. But at this point, she just wanted answers. She became desperate to know who created the engineers and why the engineers had created them and why they had wanted to destroy them as well. Later they were seen in a spaceship heading for the engineers home world to find those answers and destroy it later.
Conclusion
Prometheus isn’t just another space thriller—it’s a layered exploration of creation, evolution, and the dangers of seeking forbidden knowledge of official 20th Century Studios page. With its shocking revelations, terrifying creatures, and open-ended finale, the movie set the stage for Alien: Covenant while deepening the mythology of the Alien universe. By understanding the Engineers’ motives, the black liquid, and Elizabeth Shaw’s desperate quest for truth, the Prometheus movie ending explained here gives you a complete picture of the film’s mysteries. Whether you’re rewatching the movie or diving into the franchise for the first time, Prometheus remains a must-see for sci-fi and horror fans alike.
