In its bid to expand to edgier original programming, Lifetime has handed out a straight-to-series order to Damien, a sequel series to the 1976 feature The Omen created by former The Walking Dead showrunner Glen Mazzara. The six episode first season is expected to debut in 2015.
Damien follows the adult life of Damien Thorn, the mysterious child from the classic film, 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 out the ages.
Mazzara will serve as showrunner and will executive produce alongside Ross Fineman and Pancho Mansfield. Fox Television Studios and 44 Strong Productions will produce.
"We are thrilled to be bringing a contemporary version of The Omen's Damien Thorn back to the screen," said Rob Sharenow, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Lifetime. "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."
"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," added Nancy Cotton, Senior Vice President of Programming, Fox Television Studios.
