It’s all for you, Damien: The Omen is getting a movie prequel

Last Updated on June 23, 2023

THE OMEN is back in the pop culture conversation thanks to A&E’s series Damien, but that conversation was just interrupted by some crazy news: A movie prequel to the 1976 film is in the works from 20th Century Fox. THE FIRST OMEN, as it is currently titled, will be the first film in the franchise since 2006’s remake starring Liev Schreiber and Julia Stiles.

So far there are very few details on the film other than that it was written by Ben Jacoby and that Antonio Campos (SIMON KILLER, producer of MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE) is in talks to direct.

I’m honestly not sure what a prequel to THE OMEN would even entail. Would it follow Damien as a zygote? Is it the story of a failed attempt to birth the Antichrist in the 60’s? Or the 50’s? Or King Arthur’s era? That last one might be cool, actually. Fingers crossed!

In the original OMEN, released in 1976:

American diplomat Robert (Gregory Peck) adopts Damien (Harvey Stephens) when his wife, Katherine (Lee Remick), delivers a stillborn child. After Damien’s first nanny hangs herself, Father Brennan (Patrick Troughton) warns Robert that Damien will kill Katherine’s unborn child. Shortly thereafter, Brennan dies and Katherine miscarries when Damien pushes her off a balcony. As more people around Damien die, Robert investigates Damien’s background and realizes his adopted son may be the Antichrist.

More on this story as it breaks!