While it's technically part of the same fictional universe, the events of Prometheus are largely separate and unconnected to the main Alien and Predator storylines.
Here's why:
* Different timeline: Prometheus takes place thousands of years before the events of Alien, and its focus is on the origins of the Xenomorphs and the Engineers, not the events of the original Alien franchise.
* Discontinuity: The events of Prometheus are not referenced or acknowledged in the Alien films that came after it.
* Contradictions: Prometheus introduced concepts and explanations that contradict the established lore of the Alien franchise, creating a confusing and inconsistent narrative.
However, it's worth noting that:
* A connection is acknowledged: The film does share some common elements with the Alien franchise, such as the presence of the Space Jockey, the iconic alien design, and the overall themes of exploration and danger.
* Director's intent: Director Ridley Scott intended Prometheus to be a prequel to Alien, but ultimately, the film's connection to the main franchise is loose and open to interpretation.
Overall, while Prometheus is set in the same universe as Alien and Predator, it is not considered canon to the main storylines. It's better to view it as a separate film that shares some thematic and visual elements with the franchise, but ultimately offers a different perspective on the Alien mythos.