“The First Omen,” a highly anticipated prequel to the iconic 1976 horror film “The Omen,” is set to chill audiences in theaters this spring. After years of development since its initial announcement in April 2016, the film promises to delve into the dark and mysterious beginnings of Damien’s birth and his mother’s story.
Directed by Arkasha Stevenson in her feature directorial debut, with a screenplay co-written by Tim Smith and Keith Thomas, the film introduces a new narrative angle to the Omen saga.
The story follows Margaret, portrayed by Nell Tiger Free, an American working at a church in Rome. She stumbles upon a chilling conspiracy aimed at orchestrating the birth of the Antichrist. Fans of the original “The Omen” series will recognize the impending doom this storyline suggests.
The teaser trailer, featuring Fever Ray’s haunting track “If I Had A Heart,” known from the “Vikings” series, sets an eerie and foreboding tone. A particularly unsettling moment in the teaser is the reveal of the 666 mark inside someone’s mouth, a callback to the original film where Damien bore this mark on his scalp.
Ralph Ineson steps into the role of a younger Father Brennan, a character pivotal to the plot as a priest determined to thwart the birth of the Antichrist. This role connects back to the original film where an older version of Brennan was played by Patrick Troughton. The film also features performances from Sonia Braga, Bill Nighy, and Tawfeek Barhom, adding depth and talent to the cast.
“The Omen” franchise has had a long and varied history, including three sequels and a 2006 remake starring Julia Stiles and Liev Schreiber. Despite attempts to adapt the story for television in the mid-90s and more recently by A&E in 2016, none have managed to capture the same attention as the original film series.
With its intriguing plot, strong cast, and connection to the original’s eerie atmosphere, “The First Omen” stands as a promising addition to the franchise. It aims not just to revisit the terror of the original but to add a new layer to the story, inviting both long-time fans and new viewers into its sinister world.
The film is set to release on April 5, 2024, offering a fresh perspective on the tale that has captivated horror enthusiasts for decades.
