Nell Tiger Free (Servant) stares into the camera while lighted candles form a gaping mouth around her and the church’s lights hung above her resemble eyes in the first official photo from The First Omen. The prequel to the 1976 film starring Gregory Peck and directed by Richard Donner centers on Tiger Free’s character and is targeting an April 5, 2024 theatrical release.
The original film was released in June 1976 and was a huge box office success, grossing $60+ million during its theatrical run. The R-rated horror film earned two Oscar nominations, winning for Best Original Score (Jerry Goldsmith). It was also nominated for a WGA award, a Grammy, and a BAFTA award.
Damien: Omen II followed in June 1978, with Omen III: The Final Conflict premiering in 1981. The fourth film, Omen IV: The Awakening, debuted in 1991. An unsuccessful remake starring Liev Schreiber and Julia Stiles hit theaters in 2006.
The franchise was revisited in 2016 with the A&E series Damien starring Bradley James in the title role.
In addition to Nell Tiger Free, the prequel stars Tawfeek Barhom (Mary Magdalene), Sonia Braga (Kiss of the Spider Woman), Ralph Ineson (The Northman), and Bill Nighy (Living). Arkasha Stevenson, Tim Smith, and Keith Thomas wrote the screenplay, based on characters by David Seltzer. Stevenson directed and David S. Goyer and Keith Levine produced. Tim Smith, Whitney Brown, and Gracie Wheelan executive produce.
20th Century Studios released this synopsis:
“When a young American woman is sent to Rome to begin a life of service to the church, she encounters a darkness that causes her to question her own faith and uncovers a terrifying conspiracy that hopes to bring about the birth of evil incarnate.”
