The "Alien" franchise is back, with "Prometheus" landing in theaters on June 8. This latest installment of the popular film series is helmed by the original director, Ridley Scott, and stars Hollywood newcomer Noomi Rapace.
Though the Swedish actress is a relative unknown in the United States, the 32-year-old Rapace has earned critical acclaim for her roles in a number of international films. As "Prometheus" sends her movie career into orbit, here's a look at the star's work and rise to stardom.
"The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo"
Before Rooney Mara took on the role in the American remake, Noomi Rapace was the face of Lisbeth Salander in the Swedish film series. Based on the books by author Steig Larsson, the films were shot in Swedish and available in the United States with subtitles in 2010.
Rapace earned a slew of nominations for her role in the film, including nods from BAFTA, Saturn, and the Broadcast Film Critics Association. She took home the Guldbagge Award for Best Actress (the Swedish version of an Oscar) for her performance, and went on to star in the sequels, "The Girl Who Played With Fire" and "The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest."
"Beyond"
Following her "Dragon Tattoo" success, Rapace then landed the starring role in the Swedish drama "Beyond." Set in Stockholm, the film centered on Rapace's character Leena, who grew up in an abusive home as a child of alcoholic parents.
The film made its rounds on the festival circuit, debuting at the Venice Film Festival where it received the International Critic's Week Award. Later that year, Rapace received the International Jury Award for Best Actress at the Sao Paulo International Film Festival for her work in the drama.
"Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows"
Rapace made her U.S. film debut in 2011, starring alongside Jude Law and Robert Downey Jr. in the sequel to Guy Ritchie's action-packed "Sherlock Holmes" update. Based loosely on the short story "The Final Problem" by Holmes creator Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the project featured Rapace as the gypsy Sim, whom Holmes and Watson must protect.
Though the film received mixed reviews from critics, it was nominated for a Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie: Action, and both Rapace and Downey were nominated for Choice Actor and Actress awards.
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