Ridley Scott is gearing up for his return to science fiction with The Dog Stars, but fans of his earlier work have a limited window to revisit one of his most talked-about space epics. Prometheus, the 2012 prequel to Alien, is set to vanish from HBO Max on September 1, 2026. If you haven't seen it yet—or want to rewatch the stunning visuals and philosophical twists—now's the time.
Released in 2012, Prometheus was a bold departure from the straightforward horror of the original Alien. Scott, who helmed the 1979 classic, returned to the franchise with a grander, more enigmatic story about humanity's origins. The film starred Noomi Rapace as Elizabeth Shaw, Michael Fassbender as the unsettling android David, and Charlize Theron as the icy corporate overseer. It grossed over $403 million worldwide against a reported budget of $130 million, making it a commercial hit, even if it split audiences and critics.
The movie currently holds a 73% "Certified Fresh" score on Rotten Tomatoes, with the critics' consensus praising its "haunting visual grandeur" and Fassbender's performance. Yet, its narrative choices—especially the ambiguous answers to its big questions—left many viewers divided. Some hailed it as a thought-provoking masterpiece; others found it frustratingly vague. That polarizing reputation has only grown over the years, cementing Prometheus as one of Scott's most debated films.
Scott's sci-fi journey didn't end there. He followed up with Alien: Covenant in 2017, which earned a 65% Rotten Tomatoes score but underperformed at the box office, pulling in $240 million worldwide on a $110 million budget. That lukewarm reception put the Alien franchise on ice until Fede Álvarez revived it with Alien: Romulus in 2024, which grossed $350 million worldwide and reinvigorated interest in the series.
Now, Scott is turning his attention back to the genre with The Dog Stars, a post-apocalyptic thriller starring Jacob Elordi, set for release on August 29. The film marks his first sci-fi project since Covenant, and fans are eager to see if he can recapture the magic of his earlier work. In the meantime, his 1987 thriller is now free on Tubi for those looking for a deep cut.
For those who want to experience Prometheus before it leaves HBO Max, it's a chance to revisit the film that sparked endless debates about the Engineers, the black goo, and the true nature of David. Whether you love it or hate it, there's no denying its impact on modern sci-fi. And if you're curious about Scott's other streaming offerings, Blade Runner 2049 is climbing the Paramount+ charts ahead of the upcoming 2099 series.
So mark your calendars: September 1 is the last day to stream Prometheus on HBO Max. After that, you'll have to wait for its next streaming home or grab a physical copy. And if you're excited about Scott's return to sci-fi, don't miss the chance to win free tickets to see The Dog Stars in IMAX with a Q&A from the director himself.
Stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot for more updates on Prometheus' streaming availability and all things Ridley Scott.
