The Prophecy II
The Prophecy II is a 1998 American supernatural horror film directed by Greg Spence in his directorial debut, serving as the direct-to-video sequel to the 1995 film The Prophecy.[1] Starring Christopher Walken reprising his role as the rogue archangel Gabriel, the movie follows Gabriel's return from Hell to wage war against humanity and thwart the birth of a prophesied child who could end the angelic conflict.[2] The film features a supporting cast including Russell Wong as the pacifist angel Danyael, Jennifer Beals as the pregnant guardian Valerie, Brittany Murphy as the suicidal teen Sharon, and Elias Koteas returning as the skeptical detective Thomas Daggett.[3] Released on January 20, 1998, by Dimension Films, The Prophecy II expands the original film's lore by introducing themes of redemption, free will, and the blurring lines between divine and demonic forces, with Gabriel allying with a human woman to eliminate the hybrid messiah while facing opposition from a new generation of angels.[4] Written by Spence and Matthew Greenberg, the 83-minute film received mixed reviews for its atmospheric tension and Walken's charismatic performance but was criticized for its convoluted plot and lower production values compared to the first installment.[2] It holds a 33% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on six reviews, highlighting its cult appeal within the fantasy-horror genre.[2] The movie's narrative delves into biblical mythology, portraying angels as flawed beings divided by their disdain for humans, and it sets up further sequels by resolving Gabriel's arc while introducing new supernatural threats.[1] Produced on a modest budget, The Prophecy II emphasizes practical effects and philosophical undertones over spectacle, contributing to the franchise's exploration of apocalyptic prophecies and moral ambiguity in celestial wars.[4]Narrative elements
Plot summary
Gabriel is expelled from Hell by Lucifer following events from the previous angelic conflict and returns to Earth in a vulnerable state, determined to thwart a prophecy that foretells a nephilim—a half-angel, half-human child—born to unite the warring factions of Heaven and bring peace among angels.[5] The nephilim's birth is prophesied to end the civil war in Heaven by bridging the divide between angels and humanity, a development that Gabriel views as a threat to the divine order he seeks to preserve through humanity's subjugation.[5][6] The story introduces Valerie Rosales, a compassionate nurse in Los Angeles who becomes pregnant after a fateful encounter with Danyael, a pacifist angel, whom she accidentally strikes with her car before they share an intimate moment.[5] Danyael, aware of his role in the prophecy, protects Valerie and their unborn child, embodying the hybrid savior figure central to the expanded angelic lore where human souls fuel the eternal war between obedient and rebellious angels.[5][7] Gabriel, enlisting the aid of Izzy, a troubled teenage girl who attempts suicide but is resurrected by him as an ally, begins a relentless hunt for Valerie, using Izzy's street smarts and desperation to track her down.[5][6] As the pursuit intensifies, Gabriel engages in brutal battles with Danyael and other celestial forces, including confrontations that highlight the ongoing angelic civil war and the nephilim's potential to reconcile angels with humans through shared bloodlines.[5][6] The chase culminates in an abandoned industrial complex reimagined as a desolate Eden, where archangel Michael intervenes to oppose Gabriel, leading to fierce aerial and ground skirmishes that test loyalties and reveal the depth of angelic resentment toward humanity's favored status.[5][7] Izzy, torn between her alliance with Gabriel and her own quest for redemption after losing her boyfriend, ultimately sacrifices herself in the conflict, while Danyael fights valiantly to shield Valerie.[5][7] In the hospital-adjacent climax amid the ruins, Gabriel corners Valerie on a precarious steel structure, but she, guided by divine whispers, defies him, leading to their fall where Gabriel is gravely wounded.[5] Despite his failure to prevent the birth, Valerie successfully delivers the nephilim child, fulfilling the prophecy as a symbol of unity.[5][6] Punished for his defiance, Gabriel is transformed into a mortal human by Michael and cast out, left begging on the streets as an exile, stripped of his immortality and powers.[5] Valerie, now resolute, vows to raise the child in a world of love, marking the resolution of this chapter in the angelic saga.[5]Cast and characters
The principal cast of The Prophecy II features Christopher Walken reprising his role as the archangel Gabriel, a rogue celestial being driven by disdain for humanity and a determination to prevent the birth of a nephilim child that could undermine angelic dominance.[1] Russell Wong portrays Danyael, an angel exiled from heaven who impregnates a human woman to fulfill a prophecy countering Gabriel's plans, embodying a quest for balance in the divine conflict.[8] Jennifer Beals plays Valerie Rosales, a compassionate nurse whose unwitting pregnancy with the nephilim positions her as a pivotal figure in the escalating war between angels.| Actor | Character | Role Description |
|---|---|---|
| Christopher Walken | Gabriel | Rogue archangel seeking to eradicate humanity by targeting the nephilim prophecy. |
| Russell Wong | Danyael | Exiled angel tasked with siring the nephilim to oppose Gabriel's destructive agenda. |
| Jennifer Beals | Valerie Rosales | Nurse carrying the nephilim child, evolving from unaware victim to protective guardian. |
| Brittany Murphy | Isabelle "Izzy" | Suicidal teenager harboring resentment toward angels, recruited as Gabriel's human ally. |
| Eric Roberts | Michael | Archangel enforcer who intervenes to punish rogue elements among the heavenly host. |
| Steve Hytner | Joseph | Returning medical examiner assisting in investigations tied to angelic incursions. |
| Bruce Abbott | Thomas Daggett | Former detective turned monk, providing guidance on the unfolding prophecy from the prior events. |