The problem with most prequels is that the original never intended to show you what happened before the events deemed worthy enough to depict in a movie. But that isn’t stopping the brain trust at 20th Century Fox from moving forward onThe First Omen, a precursor to the 1976 classic that introducedDamiento the world.Antonio Campos, who made waves with his Sundance hitChristine(not aStephen Kingremake) is in talks to direct.
A grown-upDamienis at the center of a new A&E horror series that debuted earlier this year, and 20th Century Fox already blew it with their critically panned remake ofThe Omenin 2006. So they’re taking this long-standing horror franchise in a totally new direction. This next movie is produced byDavid GoyerandKevin Turenunder their Phantom Four banner. There are no story details. The movie will tell what happened before the birth of theAnti-Christ. It was reported back in 2014 that 20th Century Fox and Platinum Dunes were teaming up for a second remake. It doesn’t appear that Platinum Dunes is involved with the prequel, which is the direction the project has decided to go in at this stage.
Gregory Peckheadlined the original movie playing an Ambassador who comes to believe that his 5-year-old son is the living embodiment of the Antichrist. He then unsuccessfully attempts to stop the child’s devilish murder spree.Richard Donner, the man behind such classic movies asSuperman,The GooniesandLethal Weapon, directed this first installment, which was followed by a number of sequels. The originalThe Omenwas one of 1976’s biggest box office hits, and it was deemed one of the scariest movies of all time upon its release.
Along with the two sequels that saw Damien grow up to take over the world, there were also a number of novels that followed Damien’s story. The misguided remake from 2006 was directed byJohn Mooreand starredLiev SchreiberandJulia Stiles.The Walking Dead’sGlen Mazzarais behind the current A&EDamienseries.
Ben Jacobyis writing the screenplay forThe First Omenaccording to THR.Antonio Camposis not only known for his indie hitChristine, which starsRebecca HallandMichael C. Hall, he also directed the 2012 cult thrillerSimon Killer. Before that he was a producer on the dramaMartha Marcy May Marlene, which starredElizabeth Olsen. At this time,The First Omenhas no cast attached, and it isn’t known when shooting may begin. No release date has been announced.
