Director Arkasha Stevenson, a long-time fan of 'The Omen' franchise, took on the challenge of directing a prequel to the original 1976 film. Her vision for 'The First Omen' was to shift the series' perspective by exploring the story through the eyes of a woman, bringing a new dimension to the traditionally masculine franchise.
'The First Omen' marks the sixth installment in the franchise, following a young American woman named Margaret who uncovers plans related to the birth of the Antichrist while working at a church in Rome. Stevenson and her creative partner aimed to recreate an authentic '70s feel in the film, focusing on the pace, attention to character, and elegant camera work reminiscent of the original 'Omen' film.
The genre of religious horror served as a bridge between modern and classical storytelling, allowing the filmmakers to delve into themes of good and evil, power dynamics, and institutional responses to fear. The film also touches on contemporary issues such as bodily autonomy and sexual assault, exploring horror through a female perspective.
Despite facing challenges with the MPAA rating due to depictions of women onscreen, the creative team successfully navigated these obstacles to bring their vision to life. Stevenson expressed interest in further expanding the franchise, hinting at potential storylines involving characters like the Jackal and Damien's sister, Layla.
'The First Omen' offers a fresh take on the iconic horror franchise, blending elements of the original film with new perspectives and themes, setting the stage for future explorations into the dark and intriguing world of religious horror.
