‘The Omen’ Prequel Brings New Chills in 2024

by Annika November 19, 2023

“The Omen,” a 1976 horror classic, has long haunted the corridors of film history with its chilling narrative. Now, nearly half a century later, the saga returns to the silver screen, resurrected by 20th Century Studios in the form of “The First Omen.” This prequel, directed by Arkasha Stevenson, promises to peel back the dark layers of the franchise’s origin story, offering a fresh perspective on the birth of evil incarnate. As the film prepares for its grand unveiling in theaters on April 5, 2024, fans and newcomers alike find themselves on the cusp of a sinister journey into the heart of horror’s hallowed grounds.

“The First Omen” threads together a narrative centered around a young American woman’s journey to Rome, a path that soon intertwines with a harrowing discovery of a conspiracy brewing within the church’s walls. The plot’s sinister undertones promise to entwine faith with fear, as the protagonist confronts the impending birth of the Antichrist. Stevenson steps into her feature directorial debut with a vision to stir the dormant fears that “The Omen” franchise has so effectively evoked in the past. Her work includes directing episodes of “Legion,” a series known for its psychological depth and complex storytelling so hoping that’s a good sign.

We’re also hoping “The First Omen” can rise where something like The Exorcist Believer failed in embracing a contemporary approach to classic horror elements. The film, penned by Stevenson, Tim Smith, and Keith Thomas, from a story by Ben Jacoby, is not just a revisit to the franchise but a reimagining of its core themes. The cast, featuring Nell Tiger Free, Tawfeek Barhom, Sonia Braga, Ralph Ineson, and Bill Nighy, is a blend of established and emerging talents, each bringing a unique dimension to the unfolding narrative. This diverse ensemble is pivotal in redefining the franchise’s appeal to modern audiences while paying homage to the original’s unsettling aura.

The journey of “The First Omen” to the big screen has been a long and winding one. Announced in April 2016, the project underwent various developmental phases before Arkasha Stevenson was brought on board in May 2022. David S. Goyer, Keith Levine, and Gracie Wheelan join as producers under the Phantom Four label, further cementing the film’s connection to the horror genre’s elite. This development process reflects the intricate care and consideration that 20th Century Studios has invested in ensuring that the prequel resonates with the franchise’s loyal followers and stands as a formidable entity in its own right.

“The First Omen” is hopefully not just a prequel, but a cinematic event that beckons to both the franchise’s devoted followers and those unacquainted with its legacy. With its release, the film is poised to redefine the contours of horror, promising a journey that is as much about confronting our darkest fears as it is about celebrating the genre’s ability to captivate and terrify. We’ve got a while til we find our for sure on April 5, 2024… but it really can’t be worse than Exorcist, right?