Noomi Rapace is the top contender for the female lead role in  Ridley Scott’s upcoming ‘Alien’ prequel. The actress, who is most well known for her portrayal of Lisbeth Salander in the Swedish film adaptations of the Millenium books, has competition from such other actresses as Natalie Portman and Carey Mulligan, but Scott seems intent on casting Rapace.

Rapace has already gone through a month of auditions. She’s also beating out such actresses as Abbie Cornish, who’s next set to star in Zack Snyder’s ‘Sucker Punch,’ and Olivia Wilde, who will be appearing in the anticipated ‘Tron: Legacy.’

While there is question over how well Rapace can speak English, as she hasn’t appeared in an English-speaking film yet, but she is set to  star in Guy Ritchie’s ‘Sherlock Holmes 2.’ If she gets the role, Rapace will also face public scrutiny and comparisons to Sigourney Weaver’s portrayal of Ellen Ripley in the original ‘Aliens.’

Written by: Karen Benardello