We had previously heard that Fox was interested in making a prequel to ‘The Omen‘ and now it is official as the studio has just signed on Antonio Campos (‘Simon Killer’,’Afterschool’) to direct. Just to clarify, this project is in no way, shape, or form related to ‘Damien‘ which is the current television show based on the same material that is on the air.
It has been forty years since one of the most iconic horror films of all time was released and it still resonates enough for the studio to want to find a way to bring it back. In Campos, they have a fresh name who is more known in the indie circuit and could bring some fresh ideas to the big screen. With his work recently finished on Sundance’s ‘Christine,’ he has the time to tackle it as well. He will be working off of a script that we last heard was penned by Ben Jacoby (‘Bleed’).
I’m not sure how much I like the name ‘The First Omen,’ but as it will clearly be a prequel that will somehow lead up to Damien’s birth or the events before it. I suppose this will be what draws the Satanists who are waiting for the coming of The Antichrist out of the woodwork and ready to help his ascension. Not much is known about the prequel but it will be produced by David Goyer and Kevin Turen and their Phantom Four banner.
With no details at this time it is unknown if they’ll be having a prequel leading up to the Oscar winning film that we all know and love or if they will be going ‘Bates Motel‘ style and setting it in modern times.
There is clearly plenty of plot threads they could mine for a prequel. From a group trying to stop the coming of The Antichrist to the nurses who allowed his birth to happen to the indoctrination of the nanny who helped raise him to his full potential. I’m just not sure if any of them are really going to be that much of a draw to go see.
Do you think a prequel to ‘The Omen’ is worth exploring? What time period do you feel they should set the film in? Share your thoughts below.
Sources: The Hollywood Reporter, Collider
Stuart Conover is an author, blogger, and all around geek. When not busy being a father and husband he tries to spend as much time as possible immersed in comic books, science fiction, and horror! Would you like to know more? Follow him on Twitter!
