Back in May, we learned that former The Walking Dead showrunner Glenn Mazzara was developing a sequel series to classic horror pic The Omen, titled Damien, and now Lifetime has announced that it’s ordering the show straight to series with a six-episode pickup.
Damien will center on the adult life of Damien Thorn, the demonic child from the 1976 film who has grown up without knowledge of the satanic forces shaping his existence. When his past catches up to him, Damien must come to terms with the truth – that he is destined to become the Antichrist, a force of unspeakable evil feared by all humankind.
Said Lifetime exec VP Rob Sharenow:
“We are thrilled to be bringing a contemporary version of The Omen’s Damien Thorn back to the screen. Glen Mazzara has re-imagined him as a dark, romantic, anti-hero and this fresh take blends complex characters with premium storytelling to make something truly original.”
Fox Television Studios’ senior VP of programming Nancy Cotton added:
“The Omen is a jewel in the crown of the Fox features library; we’re gratified and eager to bring a new iteration of Damien and this iconic story to television — and to a new audience — through the vision of Glen Mazzara.”
The show is a remarkable catch for Lifetime, which has become known for its female-skewing entries over the past few years. Though the network has shown an inclination towards horror with the supernatural soap Witches of East End, Damien is by far its darkest pick-up to date. The huge success of A&E’s Bates Motel, another continuation of an iconic horror film, likely played into Lifetime’s decision to go ahead with the series.
Damien will arrive in 2015. It’s currently unclear which of Lifetime’s current series will be joining it – the network has yet to make renewal decisions on its dystopian thriller The Lottery, steamy soap Devious Maids and Witches of East End.
