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'The First Omen' actress, director discuss prequel film

The horror prequel opens in theaters nationwide Friday, April 5.

INDIANAPOLIS — After three sequels and a remake, "The Omen" franchise is getting its first prequel nearly 50 years after the original was released in 1976.

In "The First Omen," a young American woman (Nell Tiger Free) goes to Rome to become a nun, but she uncovers a terrifying conspiracy that could result in the birth of an evil incarnate, known as the Antichrist.

"We all grew up on 'The Omen' franchise. It's not only fun, but such a smart franchise, and also, the original is such a brilliantly-directed film," said director and co-writer Arkasha Stevenson ("Channel Zero," "Vessels"). "With the script, it being from the point of view of this novitiate, it was such an exciting way to reenter the universe by following this young woman when 'The Omen' franchise is predominantly male-driven."

And this isn't Free's first role in the horror genre. In four seasons, she played Leanne Grayson in M. Night Shyamalan's "Servant," where strange occurrences happen after a couple hires Free's character as a live-in nanny for their infant son.

"To be honest, I don't know if I'd be ready to play Margaret in 'The First Omen' if I hadn't spent those four years on 'Servant,'" Free said. "I felt like I grew up a lot and felt like I grew hopefully as an actress by the end of it, so it was a really nice guide into being able to tackle and play Margaret."

Also co-starring in the prequel are award-winning actors Sônia Braga ("Kiss of the Spider Woman," "Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands") and Bill Nighy ("Living," "Love Actually").

"Bill was such a source of comfort for me while making this film. It was a bit of a pinch-me moment the first time the two of us sat down and did a scene. He is one of my absolute heroes," Free said. "The same with Sônia — she's just this effervescent ball of energy. Every single cast member was an absolute delight."

"The First Omen" opens in theaters nationwide Friday, April 5.

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