Though the 1976 horror classic,“The Omen”, is deemed a cursed Hollywood film, it spawned a series of sequels, as well as a lacklustre remake in 2006.
All thanks to A&E Network, the franchise is now getting a sequel in the form of TV series. In fact, we’re finally given a first look at “Merlin” actor Bradley James as the adult Damien Thorn through its first official teaser trailer.
Titled “Damien”, the show was initially a 6-episode straight-to-series drama greenlit by Lifetime. However, A&E and Lifetime Executive Vice President & General Manager Ross Sharenow moved the series to A&E Network due to the network’s success with their hit series “Bates Motel“.
Produced by Fox 21 Television Studios, the 10-episode series is named after Damien Thorn, the mysterious kid from the 1976 motion picture. After appearing in multiple TV series including “Homeland” and “iZombie” for guest-starring roles, Bradley James is taking the lead role of of Damien, who has grown up seemingly unaware of the satanic forces around him. Haunted by his past, Damien must now come to terms with his true destiny — that he is the Antichrist, the most feared man throughout the ages.
Former “The Walking Dead” creator Glen Mazzara serves as the writer of the hour-long scripted drama. Through his 44 Strong Productions, Mazzara executive produced the series alongside Ross Fineman of Fineman Entertainment and Pancho Mansfield. Critically-acclaimed director Shekhar Kapur (of “Elizabeth” fame) directed and executive produced the first episode based on a screenplay written by Mazzara.
Oscar nominee Barbara Hershey is starring in the series as Ann Rutledge, the world’s most powerful woman who has been tasked with making sure Damien fulfills his destiny. “Better Call Saul” star Omid Abtahi portrays Amani Golkar, a close colleague of Damien, while “House of Lies” actress Meganlyn Echikunwoke plays Simone Baptiste, a woman whose life is thrown into turmoil when tragedy unexpectedly strikes.
Check out the teaser trailer below:
Originally scheduled to be premiered in 2015, the sequel TV series will air on an unspecified date in 2016.