Summary
The First Omen’s well-executed chills and thrills are further elevated by the brilliant performances of its cast members, who perfectly portray their respective characters. Serving as a prequel to the horror classicThe Omen,The First Omenwalks through the conspiracy that led to the birth of the Antichrist from the original movie. Despite having a compelling storyline and a talented filmmaker like Arkasha Stevenson at its helm,The First Omenstruggledto leave its mark at the box office and only earned close to $54 million worldwide against a budget of $30 million.
However, despite not being commercially successful,The First Omenreceived rave reviews from viewers and critics. Mike Flanagan, the horror pioneer known for creating several modernhorror shows, likeThe Fall of the House of UsherandMidnight Mass, also could not help but sing praises for it after watching it in the theaters. While the film’s critical success can primarily be attributed to Arkasha Stevenson’s directorial forte and Ben Jacoby’s taut writing, its cast also deserves credit for making it a terrifying drama all the more believable and immersive.
Nell Tiger Free as Margaret
Date of Birth: June 05, 2025
Actor:Born in Kingston upon Thames, London, Nell Tiger Free started her acting career with relatively small roles in TV shows likeBroken,Mr. Stink, andEndeavor. Her breakthrough came in 2014when she replaced Aimee Richardson as Myrcella Baratheon inGame of Thrones. She further rose to prominence when she landed a part in M. Night Shyamalan’s television seriesServantin 2018 and later became the lead inThe First Omen.
Servant
Leanne Grayson
Character:InThe First Omen, Nell Tiger Free portrays Margaret Daino, an American woman who wishes to take the veil and become a nun. Running from her troubled past, Daino goes to Rome to work at an orphanage, called Vizzardeli Orphanage, run by nuns. However, what begins as her pursuit to become a nun soon takes a terrifying turn.
Sônia Braga as Sister Silva
Date of Birth: June 28, 2025
Actor:Alice Braga’s aunt, Sônia Braga, is a renowned Brazilian actress who started acting in her teens by playing roles in several children’s television programs. Although she primarily got parts in Brazilian TV shows and movies in the early years of her career, she later landed international roles inThe Cosby Show,Sex and the City,American Family, andAlias. The actress also has several accolades and awards under her belt,including three Golden Globe Award nominations and one Emmy nomination.
Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands
Moon Over Parador
Madonna
Character:Sônia Braga plays Sister Silva inThe First Omen. Silva is the Abbess at the Roman orphanage where Nell Tiger Free’s Margaret Daino goes to work. Almost throughoutThe First Omen’s runtime, there is an air of ambiguity surrounding Sister Silva’s characterization and motives, leaving one wondering whether she is on Daino’s side or is one of the antagonists.
Where To Watch The First Omen
The Omen horror movie franchise has returned, and there are different options for where to watch The First Omen at home on streaming or digitally.
Ralph Ineson as Father Brennan
Date of Birth: June 18, 2025
Actor:Born in Leeds, England, Ralph Ineson isbest known for his portrayal of Chris Finch in the BBC comedyThe Office. However, other than the comedy show, the actor has also appeared in acclaimed, well-known movies likeGreat Expectations,Harry Potter,The Witch, andThe Creator. Many would also know him for his portrayal of Frank Monk inThe Walking Dead, Connor Nutley inPeaky Blinders, and Dagmer Cleftjaw inGame of Thronesseason 2.
Chernobyl
General Tarakanov
Character:Ralph Ineson’s character, Father Brennan, is also a part of the original 1976The Omen’s roster. In the originalThe Omen, Father Brennan was portrayed by Patrick Troughton. The 2024 prequel film portrays Father Brennan as the first character who warns Margaret about the dark conspiracies brewing behind the scenes in the church.
Why The First Omen’s Reviews Are So Positive
Ahead of its opening weekend, The First Omen is garnering rave positive reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, which breaks a recent horror franchise trend.
The First Omen Supporting Cast & Characters
Tawfeek Barhom as Father Gabriel:Tawfeek Barhom’s Father Gabriel is one of the members of the clergy working at the central orphanage. Barhom is best known for his roles inThe Idol,Boy From Heaven, andWorlds Apart.
Bill Nighy as Cardinal Lawrence:InThe First Omen, Cardinal Lawrence is among the senior members of the Catholic Church. Academy Award Nominee, Bill Nighy, who has starred in several well-known films likeLiving,Love Actually, andThe Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, portrays Lawrence in the horror prequel.
Rachel Hurd-Wood as Katherine Thorn:Known for her performances inPeter PanandPerfume: The Story of a Murderer,Rachel Hurd-Wood plays Katherine Thorn inThe First Omen.
Anton Alexander as Father Spiletto:Anton Alexander appears as Father Spiletto inThe First Omen, who convinces Thorn to adopt Damien. BeforeThe First Omen, Anton Alexander appeared in films and shows likeTaboo,Exodus: Gods and Kings, andThe Vatican.
The First Omen
The First Omen is a horror film from director Arkasha Stevenson that acts as a prequel to the 1976 film The Omen. The film follows a young woman who goes to Rome to become a nun but begins to question her faith after encountering a terrifying darkness that aims to spawn an evil incarnate.
