The official word is out regarding the delay in the Alien prequel movies. The films will now be pushed back an entire year to 2013 and 2014.  While there is no word form Ridley Scott or Fox on why there is such a delay, one must assume that the recent budget conflicts must have played a part.

In November, Scott was quoted as saying "It's written and budgeted and, frankly, we've already booked film stages in England, so I think [it will happen soon]." principle photography was said to be starting in February, but that's not known to be continuing as of yet.

Since the film has already seemed to begin production with a rumored set in Northern Africa, no one knows for sure what the exact dealy may be caused by. Alien 3 was also delayed in its release due to story development.