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 classic The Omen, The First Omen walks 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 Omen struggled to 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 Omen received rave reviews from viewers and critics. Mike Flanagan, the horror pioneer known for creating several modern horror shows, like The Fall of the House of Usher and Midnight 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: October 13, 1999

• Active Since: 2012

Actor: Born in Kingston upon Thames, London, Nell Tiger Free started her acting career with relatively small roles in TV shows like Broken, Mr. Stink, and Endeavor. Her breakthrough came in 2014 when she replaced Aimee Richardson as Myrcella Baratheon in Game of Thrones. She further rose to prominence when she landed a part in M. Night Shyamalan’s television series Servant in 2018 and later became the lead in The First Omen.

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Character: In The 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 8, 1950

• Active Since: 1967

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 in The Cosby Show, Sex and the City, American Family, and Alias. The actress also has several accolades and awards under her belt, including three Golden Globe Award nominations and one Emmy nomination.

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Character: Sônia Braga plays Sister Silva in The First Omen. Silva is the Abbess at the Roman orphanage where Nell Tiger Free’s Margaret Daino goes to work. Almost throughout The 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.

Ralph Ineson as Father Brennan

Date of Birth: December 15, 1969

• Active Since: 1993

Actor: Born in Leeds, England, Ralph Ineson is best known for his portrayal of Chris Finch in the BBC comedy The Office. However, other than the comedy show, the actor has also appeared in acclaimed, well-known movies like Great Expectations, Harry Potter, The Witch, and The Creator. Many would also know him for his portrayal of Frank Monk in The Walking Dead, Connor Nutley in Peaky Blinders, and Dagmer Cleftjaw in Game of Thrones season 2.

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Character: Ralph Ineson’s character, Father Brennan, is also a part of the original 1976 The Omen‘s roster. In the original The 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.

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 in The Idol, Boy From Heaven, and Worlds Apart.

Bill Nighy as Cardinal Lawrence: In The 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 like Living, Love Actually, and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, portrays Lawrence in the horror prequel.

Rachel Hurd-Wood as Katherine Thorn: Known for her performances in Peter Pan and Perfume: The Story of a Murderer, Rachel Hurd-Wood plays Katherine Thorn in The First Omen.

Anton Alexander as Father Spiletto: Anton Alexander appears as Father Spiletto in The First Omen, who convinces Thorn to adopt Damien. Before The First Omen, Anton Alexander appeared in films and shows like Taboo, Exodus: Gods and Kings, and The Vatican.