Fox and Ridley Scott not 'freaking out' over Prometheus sequel

'Prometheus' writer Damon Lindelof has disputed rumours that 20th Century Fox and Ridley Scott are 'freaking out' following his departure from the sci-fi project.

A report from movie site Bloody Disgusting cited sources close to film suggesting that Lindelof, who wrote the first film with a trilogy in mind, had left the production 'in the dust'.

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The report added that a sequel was now 'in jeopardy' and the director and studio were 'taking pitches from basically anyone' to get the project back on track.

But the J.J. Abrams cohort, and writer of 'Lost' and the forthcoming 'Star Trek Into Darkness', has said the reality is 'unglamorous', and that he doesn't think Ridley Scott 'has ever freaked out in his life'.

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“After the movie came out and discussions began about a possible sequel, I was already neck deep in writing and producing 'Tomorrowland' with Brad Bird,” he told Slashfilm. “I have found, unfortunately, that if I take on too many projects at one time, there is a higher probability of those projects sucking.

“The conclusion was obvious - in the best interest of the franchise, it was best to take myself out of the running before I had to suffer the embarrassment of potentially not even being offered it.

“As to whether Ridley and Fox are 'freaking out' about me not working on a sequel, well that’s news to me. I retain awesome relationships with both.

“More importantly, the idea that there aren’t many, MANY writers out there capable of taking the reins is sort of ridiculous. I did not map out a trilogy and then walk when the going got tough. Anyone who says otherwise doesn’t know me and doesn’t know the truth.

“The process of working on Prometheus with Ridley was one of the greatest things that has ever happened to me. Love or hate the result of that work, I don’t regret having done it for a second.”

Scott and 20th Century Fox have so far made no comment on the report.

'Prometheus' split fans of the 'Alien' series down the middle on its release, some enjoying its open ending, while others took perceived plot holes to task.