The First Omen may be headed for the big screen if recent rumblings are to be believed, with 20th Century Studios eager to capitalise on the success of fellow religion-based horror The Pope’s Exorcist.
Initially announced back in 2016, The First Omen seeks to tell the story only briefly hinted at in the 1976 original and its 2006 remake; how exactly the devil-in-flesh Damien Thorn came to be.
When first announced the project was to be directed by Antonio Campos from a script by Ben Jacoby. Developments seemed to go dead in the water until May 2020, with the word that Arkasha Stevenson would be making her directing debut with The First Omen as well as turning in a script.
August 2022 brought us the news that prolific British actors Ralph Ineson and Bill Nighy had been cast along with Servants and Game of Thrones actress Nell Tiger Free.
Since then, everything seems to have gone quiet, however, Free did confirm just a few weeks ago that production on the film had wrapped “some time ago.”
Now, industry whispers suggest that the sixth Omen instalment may just nab a theatrical release, after previous suggestions that the film would go directly to streaming over concerns owing to the series’ relevancy.
These concerns seem to have been quelled by a near-final cut of the film playing before a test audience this past week to a positive reception. However, nothing has been set in stone just yet!
Still without a release date, Nell Tiger Free also stated the film is looking to release “sometime in 2023,” whilst confirming production was complete. The big question looming over the project now is just how will we see this movie premiere? Will Satan’s spawn get another chance at the big screen?
We will be on the lookout for any further updates.
