Amidst the chaos caused by the actors’ strike, it is refreshing to see that some wide releases are still holding onto their spots on the theatrical film schedule for next year. One such film is “The First Omen,” a psychological thriller produced by 20th Century Studios and directed by Arkasha Stevenson. Originally, Disney had April 5 reserved for an unspecified film, but now it has been designated to “The First Omen,” a highly anticipated prequel to the beloved 1976 horror film.
“The First Omen” is based on the characters created by David Seltzer and features a captivating storyline. The original movie, starring Gregory Peck, Lee Remick, and Harvey Stephens, gained immense popularity and collected over $60 million at the domestic box office (unadjusted for inflation). It followed the tale of an American ambassador who becomes convinced that his 5-year-old son is the Antichrist.
In this prequel, a young American woman embarks on a journey to Rome, where she is destined to serve the church. However, she soon encounters a darkness that challenges her faith and unveils a horrifying conspiracy. The movie explores her struggle against evil forces and aims to bring about the birth of incarnate evil.
“The First Omen” boasts a talented ensemble cast, including Nell Tiger Free from “Servant,” Tawfeek Barhom from “Mary Magdalene,” Sonia Braga from “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” Ralph Ineson from “The Northman,” and Bill Nighy from “Living.” Their performances are anticipated to add depth and realism to the characters they portray in the movie.
The film also benefits from the expertise of its creative team. Ben Jacoby, known for his work on “Bleed,” crafted the story, while Tim Smith, Arkasha Stevenson, and Keith Thomas collaborated on the screenplay. Producers David S. Goyer and Keith Levine ensure the production reaches its full potential, and executive producers Tim Smith, Whitney Brown, and Gracie Wheelan contribute to the overall vision of the film.
Universal has also marked April 5 on their calendar for a wide theatrical release, indicating their confidence in “The First Omen” as a promising addition to their lineup. As the release date draws near, it remains to be seen if any changes will occur, but for now, fans and moviegoers can look forward to experiencing this thrilling prequel in cinemas.
“The First Omen” brings a fresh and intriguing perspective to the horror genre. With its gripping storyline, impressive cast, and talented creative team, this psychological thriller holds immense promise. As it carves its place in the theatrical film schedule, movie enthusiasts eagerly await the arrival of what could be a new classic in the making.