Where was Prometheus filmed?

The opening scene of The Engineer was a compelling start to the movie. As the camera pans over Iceland's breathtaking landscape, we eventually reach Dettifoss Waterfall, where a humanoid creature drinks from a mysterious black liquid and disintegrates into it. This moment stands out as one of the most iconic scenes in Prometheus and sets up the rest of the film.

The Dettifoss waterfall in Northern Iceland, within Vatnajökull National Park, provided the backdrop for this scene. One of Europe's largest waterfalls by volume, Dettifoss has a width of 100 meters and an impressive 45-meter drop that creates a dramatic misty spray. It is an awe-inspiring sight and makes for an ideal film location for such a memorable scene.

Suppose you're looking to explore this part of Iceland for yourself. In that case, there is a 20-mile hiking trail from Asbyrgi to Dettifoss, which follows along rocky coastlines, sandy beaches, and through forests and valleys before ending up at the waterfall. There is also a campsite in Vesturdalur, a few miles north of Dettifoss. However, be aware that some roads may be closed during winter months or bad weather conditions.

In the mesmerizing year 2089, amidst the enchanting Isle of Skye in Scotland, two daring archaeologists, Elizabeth Shaw (Noomi Rapace) and Charlie Holloway (Logan Marshall-Green), stumble upon an extraordinary revelation. Not only are they skilled professionals in their field, but they also share a deep romantic connection.

They uncover a captivating star map within the depths of a mysterious cavern. This map is amidst the remnants of various disparate ancient societies. They construe this discovery as a beckoning from the precursors of human civilization.

While filming on Earth, Elizabeth and Charlie unexpectedly uncover a breathtaking revelation beneath the mysterious Old Man of Storr rock formation on the Isle of Skye. The Old Man of Storr is a magnet for rock climbers, attracting thousands of visitors annually with its steep hike and captivating jagged rock formations. Perched on the Storr ridge, these cliffs tower over the glistening waters of Loch Leathan, creating a breathtaking sight that leaves a lasting impression.

Visitors can get to this location by taking a ferry to Skye from Portree (the closest mainland port) or driving over from Glenelg via a causeway connecting Skye to the mainland. Once in Portree, take a car or public transportation to reach the Old Man of Storr. Tour companies also offer guided trips around areas like Storr Trail.

The spacecraft Prometheus navigates through the planet's atmosphere, experiencing disturbance that subsides once it penetrates the cloud layer, gaining surface visibility. The spaceship touches down close to an alien formation resembling a grand pyramid or temple.

A crew comprising Shaw (Noomi Rapace), Holloway (Logan Marshall-Green), and David (Michael Fassbender) sets out to investigate it, while Vickers and Captain Janek (Idris Elba) stay back on the ship, keeping tabs on their exploration. Meredith Vickers (Charlize Theron), the mission director, instructs them to avoid direct interaction and retreat if they encounter extraterrestrials.

The expansive landscapes of the planet they find themselves on are Wadi Rum, also known as the Valley of the Moon, a valley carved into the sandstone and granite rock approximately 40 miles east of Aqaba in southern Jordan. Intriguingly, Wadi Rum served as the backdrop for the desert sequences in David Lean's 1962 masterpiece, Lawrence Of Arabia, the film David repeatedly watches as the crew slumbers through their extended voyage.

Getting to Wadi Rum can be done by car or tour bus from Amman or Aqaba Airport in Jordan. There are plenty of guided tours available that will allow you to explore this fantastic landscape firsthand.

The harsh environment and its towering rock formations give it an eerie atmosphere. As they approach their destination, the explorers come upon a mysterious pyramid-shaped structure, which gives off an ancient energy that draws them towards it. Within this pyramid, they encounter a zone containing air fit for respiration.

In a moist, dark room that David (Michael Fassbender) manages to open, they stumble upon hundreds of cylindrical relics, a colossal stone statue depicting a humanoid face, and the beheaded remains of a massive extraterrestrial being believed to be an Engineer. Additional corpses are discovered later within the structure, leading to the assumption that the species is likely extinct.

Mount Hekla in Iceland, a famously active volcano in the south of the country, was the backdrop for the scene. The exterior shots feature this unique location with its volcanic wasteland surrounded by towering rock formations. At the same time, any more extravagant elements, such as “the mysterious hollow pyramid,” were added digitally during post-production.

To get to Mount Hekla in Iceland, get there quickly from Reykjavik or other major cities within Iceland. By car, the drive should take around 3 hours, depending on traffic. While public transport is a viable option, it often involves numerous transfers.