Her other projects include TV series The Girl in the Mirror, as well as miniseries The Longest Night.
In this interview, we chat to Maria about her career to date and what fans can expect from The First Omen.
What first inspired you to pursue acting – was it a childhood hobby or something you fell into later?
Maria Caballero: It’s a childhood dream and it came to me in a very natural way. As a child I had a wild imagination and I’d start creating plays and shows for my family in which I’d act.
I was obsessed with myths and tales and the magic they contain. And then slowly I became obsessed with the idea of performing and becoming an actress.
Jumping into present day, you play the role of “Luz” in new supernatural horror film The First Omen. How would you describe the premise of the film and your character, to anyone who might be unfamiliar?
Maria Caballero: The First Omen is a psychological thriller that tells the story of a young American novitiate in the Catholic Church, Margaret, that comes to Rome to take her vows in order to become a nun.
She doesn’t know however that she’s been given a huge responsibility without being asked first.
Luz is Margaret’s roommate, they’ll become close and she’ll try to open Margaret’s perception of herself.
She’s a survivor, a free spirit that has lived many lives. She’s struggled a lot to find her purpose and her place in the world, which she finally found in the Catholic Church.
The First Omen is a prequel to horror classic The Omen, released in 1976. Had you watched The Omen before filming your role in the new film?
Maria Caballero: I watched it while I was in the audition process and loved it. It helped me a lot to understand the world I was stepping in.
You can watch our movie without watching The Omen, but I’m sure, if anyone hasn’t watched it before, they will run to watch it after. It’s such an iconic, powerful movie…
Your co-stars in the First Omen include Bill Nighy, Nell Tiger-Free and Ralph Ineson. Was there anyone you were particularly excited to work with before shooting the film?
Maria Caballero: It was such a privilege and an honor to work alongside such amazing actors. They are all so committed to their craft and it was very beautiful for me to get to learn from them.
I was particularly excited to meet Bill, I’ve watched him in movies all my life and I admired his work. He’s so unique both as an actor and as a human being.
What do you think fans of the horror genre will enjoy about watching The First Omen?
Maria Caballero: This movie has been really cared for in every way, everything is of the highest standard and all made by people who are at the top of their game and really love the art form.
That being said, it is absolutely eerie, creepy and blood curling. I really believe it’s going to be a special picture for the genre.
The director, Arkasha Stevenson also co-wrote the screenplay for The First Omen. Was that a helpful resource to have on set?
Maria Caballero: Of course! She was so conscious of every line and detail that it was truly amazing to work with her.
I really feel like we understood each other from day one and she got the best out of me in every scene.
It’s so beautiful to work with people that are so involved and committed with what they’re creating. She had it all in her head and it was very interesting to see how she, and also Tim, were trying to make the pieces of the puzzle fit together.
What do you think you will take away from The First Omen, in terms of experience, into future jobs?
Maria Caballero: This experience taught me to have faith in the guidance of my director and my team, to follow their vision and actually enjoy the process of being driven by them.
It gave me confidence in my work and a sense of faith to keep moving forward.
Where can people catch The First Omen once it’s out?
Maria Caballero: They can watch it in theaters on April 5th, which is the best place to enjoy movies!
Follow writer Conor O’Brien on Twitter
A lifelong TV and Film buff, Conor founded Courageous Nerd in 2019. He has conducted hundreds of interviews for the site, as well as written comprehensive feature articles on a variety of topics. You can find him on X: @conorrcn.
Leave a Reply