“We were participating in the history of cinema” – Maria Caballero talks The First Omen

Religious horror is enjoying a moment right now, with the release of Sydney Sweeney's Immaculate hot on the heels of 2023's The Exorcist: Believer and Russel Crowe's The Pope's Exorcist. The latest raising holy hell in cinemas is The First Omen, expanding the iconic horror franchise with demon child Damien that haunted generations of film fans.

Starring Bill Nighy, Nell Tiger Free, and Charles Dance, it follows novice nun Margaret Daino who is sent to work in an orphanage in Rome before taking the veil. However, she soon begins to question her faith when she uncovers a terrifying conspiracy set to bring about the birth of evil. As The First Omen continues to chill audiences, FILMHOUNDS speaks to Luz actor Maria Caballero about the latest edition to the revered franchise.

You star as Luz in The First Omen – how did you get involved with the project?

First, it was a self-tape and then I had a call back, in which I met our director Arkasha Stevenson. As soon as I saw her I had the intuition that I was going to be chosen for the role. I know it sounds very weird, but it felt predestined. I even turned down a project before having the casting confirmation. And I also know they fought to cast me in the movie, which I'm very grateful for.  

What can you tell us about Luz and her place in the world of The Omen?

She's a novitiate who's found her purpose in life through religion. She was trying to belong somewhere, and she found that home in the Catholic Church. She's Margaret's roommate and they become friends. She's also a life survivor so she has a highly instinctive intelligence. She has many faces and she's very ambitious. Luz is also a fighter and she'll fight to death to protect what's hers. 

The Omen is an iconic franchise in the world of horror. What is it like to be involved in a film like this knowing the history and reverence that comes with it?

It feels surreal and also a huge responsibility. I'm truly honoured to be a part of this world. I loved every bit of the experience, it was challenging but thrilling. Also, as it's a prequel, sometimes it felt like we were participating in the history of cinema, as we were planning on things that happened in the original. 

You star in the film alongside the likes of Ralph Ineson, Bill Nighy, Nell Tiger Free, and Charles Dance, all huge names in the world of acting. What were they like to work with?
They're all amazing actors and incredible human beings. I'm so thankful to have had the opportunity to act alongside them and learn from their expertise. It also reaffirmed my idea of how real good actors are always questioning themselves and their work so they can improve their craft. I'm very inspired by the work Nell does in this movie. She has an exceptional natural talent and I can't wait for the world to see it. 

You previously starred in Netflix thrillers The Girl In The Mirror and The Longest Night, did you bring anything from those roles into The First Omen?

Subconsciously as actors, we incorporate what works in every project so it becomes part of our technique. You learn through experience and I've worked with great directors in those shows. That being said, I try not to mix experiences and I naturally separate previous projects from the new ones. Also, with Luz, I feel like I've opened new spaces within myself as I've never done anything similar as an actress.

Religious horror films seem to be enjoying a moment right now, with the release of The First Omen and Immaculate. What do you think it is about these films that fascinate people?

Religion deals with the spiritual, the symbolic and the mystical. It's also the framework that we have as a Western society to deal with concepts such as good and evil. We have a collective imagery and subconscious memory of all the traditions and rituals that come with it so, in different ways, we can all relate. It's the perfect background for a horror movie. 

The First Omen is in UK cinemas from April 5.