On this day March 7 1986 the supernatural thriller Nomads premiered in theaters. Directed by John McTiernan in his feature film debut the movie starred Pierce Brosnan as a French anthropologist who becomes tormented by mysterious and malevolent spirits after encountering a dangerous nomadic group in Los Angeles. Lesley-Anne Down played the doctor who uncovers his terrifying experiences through supernatural visions.
Despite its eerie atmosphere and psychological horror elements Nomads struggled at the box office earning only 2.3 million. Over time it has gained a cult following as an early showcase of McTiernan’s directorial style before he went on to make action classics like Predator and Die Hard.
80s insight: Arnold Schwarzenegger was initially considered for the lead role but turned it down before Pierce Brosnan was cast.