Director Richard Donner’s 1976 film The Omen, depicting the childhood of the prophesied antichrist, remains a significant movie that captured religious terror. Producer David S. Goyer expressed interest in revisiting the franchise, but only if they could find a story worth telling. Drawing inspiration from the success of Batman Begins, Goyer aimed to give The Omen a similar treatment, ensuring it could stand on its own while fitting within the franchise.
The new film takes place before the events of the original and follows a troubled young woman named Margaret working at an orphanage where strange occurrences begin. The movie maintains stylistic and thematic connections to the Omen universe but uses them as a jumping-off point for more interesting narratives. The producers emphasize the ability of artists to take bold creative risks within franchise filmmaking, pushing boundaries and exploring modern themes.
The filmmakers sought to explore modern questions about religion’s influence on society, including issues related to faith and women’s rights. Through a deeply personal approach, the new film delves into fears, anxieties, and ideas that may not have been possible in a non-franchise context. Goyer and Levine aim to create a haven for filmmakers interested in making genre films that challenge conventions and provoke thought.
While honoring the original film’s legacy, the creative team reached out to the writer of The Omen, David Seltzer, to share their thoughts on the prequel. Seltzer expressed admiration for the new film and suggested that it could be a fitting companion to his original work. Despite the challenge of maintaining suspense in a prequel, The First Omen introduces unexpected twists that leave room for further exploration in future stories.
Drawing parallels to successful prequels like X-Men: First Class, the filmmakers aimed to open up new storytelling avenues within the Omen franchise. While focusing on delivering a satisfying standalone story, they remain open to the possibility of continuing the narrative based on audience reception. The First Omen is set to release in theaters on April 5th, 2024, offering audiences a fresh perspective on the iconic horror franchise.
As the industry veterans behind the project, Goyer and Levine are committed to supporting talented storytellers and fostering creative storytelling within the realm of genre films. Through their production company, Phantom Four Films, they aim to push boundaries and encourage filmmakers to take risks in exploring complex themes and ideas within established franchises. The First Omen promises to deliver a thought-provoking and immersive cinematic experience that pays homage to the original while forging its path in the horror genre.
