Robert Eggers’ New Werewolf Film: Werwulf
Robert Eggers, renowned for his unique take on classic horror tales, is set to direct Werwulf, a film poised to reinvent the werewolf genre after his successful Nosferatu adaptation. Riding on the critical and commercial success of Nosferatu, Focus Features hopes Eggers can repeat the magic with werewolves.
A Familiar Cast Returns
Eggers is assembling a cast that includes many of his trusted collaborators. Willem Dafoe has joined the movie in a yet-to-be-disclosed role, making this their fourth collaboration. Prior films together include The Lighthouse (2019), The Northman (2022), and Nosferatu (2024). Additionally, Dafoe will take on the role of Ebenezer Scrooge in a new A Christmas Carol adaptation directed by Eggers.
Joining Dafoe in Werwulf are Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Lily Rose Depp, both of whom also appeared in Nosferatu. With its impressive roster of talent, Werwulf is shaping up to be a notable reunion for the actors and director.
Plot and Themes
Though specific plot details remain under wraps, Eggers has described Werwulf as "a medieval werewolf movie" and the "darkest thing" he’s ever written. Known for his dedication to period accuracy and atmospheric storytelling, Eggers will co-write the film with Sjón, who also helped write The Northman.
Willem Dafoe’s Versatility
Willem Dafoe is one of the most respected actors in Hollywood, having worked on both blockbuster and arthouse films. His roles range from iconic movies like Spider-Man and Aquaman to auteur-driven films such as Martin Scorsese’s The Last Temptation of Christ and Lars Von Trier’s Antichrist. In 2024 alone, Dafoe’s performances were highlighted in projects like Nosferatu, Saturday Night, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, and Kinds of Kindness.
Holiday Release Strategy
Focus Features aims to replicate the success of Nosferatu by providing Werwulf with a significant holiday release. Nosferatu was strategically released during the holidays, resulting in substantial box office returns, earning $95 million in the U.S. and $181 million worldwide. Releasing on December 25, 2026, Werwulf is expected to compete with major releases such as Avengers: Doomsday and Dune: Part Three. However, Focus Features remains confident, seeing potential in establishing a tradition of Robert Eggers monster films during the holiday season.
Final Thoughts
Werwulf is generating a lot of buzz, thanks to its talented cast and the visionary direction of Robert Eggers. With high expectations and a strategic release date, the film aims to captivate both horror enthusiasts and general audiences, offering a fresh take on the werewolf mythos. As Eggers continues to push the boundaries of the horror genre, fans are eager to see what dark and thrilling story he will unveil next.
