As the recent vampire horror-comedy Abigail hits theaters, another highly anticipated vampire film is on the horizon. Directed by Robert Eggers, Nosferatu has been in the works since 2015, a project that has lingered on Eggers’ mind for nearly a decade.
At the time he first considered this adaptation, Eggers was still making a name for himself in Hollywood, with only The VVitch under his belt. However, his filmography has since expanded to include critically acclaimed works such as The Lighthouse and The Northman. With Nosferatu, Eggers is set to bring a modern twist to a classic horror tale that has haunted audiences for over a century.
The Legacy of Nosferatu
Nosferatu is based on Bram Stoker’s iconic novel Dracula, though it is known for being an unauthorized adaptation. The original film, released in 1922, was one of the earliest depictions of vampires in cinema.
Directed by F.W. Murnau, the film’s subtle blend of horror and expressionism cemented its status as a cinematic masterpiece, despite facing legal battles from Stoker’s heirs, who sought to destroy all copies of the film.
In 1979, Werner Herzog created a remake titled Nosferatu the Vampyre, further solidifying the film’s place in horror history. Now, Eggers is poised to bring this iconic story into the 21st century, promising a fresh yet respectful approach to the source material.
Release Date
Fans eager to see Nosferatu will have to wait until Christmas Day, 2024, when it will be released exclusively in theaters. This timing sets the film against several high-profile competitors, including the Nicole Kidman-led erotic thriller Babygirl, the Barry Jenkins-scripted sports drama The Fire Inside, and the Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown, starring Timothée Chalamet. Additionally, three major films will be released just five days earlier, including Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Mufasa: The Lion King, and The Brutalist.
The Trailer
A teaser for Nosferatu was first shown in theaters in front of The Bikeriders, directed by Jeff Nichols, and was later released online. The trailer opens with Lily-Rose Depp, who plays Ellen Hutter, in a state of prayer, asking for something or someone to come to her. This haunting moment is accompanied by a voiceover where Depp’s character questions Professor Albin Eberhart Von Franz, portrayed by Willem Dafoe, about the nature of evil.
As the teaser progresses, it presents a rapid sequence of disturbing imagery—hordes of rats, and a shocking moment where a man bites the head off a pigeon. Viewers finally glimpse Count Orlok (Bill Skarsgård) lurking in the shadows, though his face remains unseen.
The atmosphere is chilling, with the teaser culminating in an applause-inducing moment as the vampire’s dark presence is revealed alongside a dog. The full trailer, released on September 30, 2024, offers deeper insights into the storyline, showing how Ellen is haunted by Count Orlok after her husband, Thomas, accidentally reveals a photograph of her.
The Cast
Eggers has assembled a talented cast for Nosferatu. Bill Skarsgård, known for his role as Pennywise in the IT films, takes on the daunting character of Count Orlok. Skarsgård has expressed his excitement about the role, suggesting that Orlok will be both terrifying and alluring.
In an interview, he hinted at the character’s sexualized nature, stating, “He’s gross. But it is very sexualized.” Skarsgård’s commitment to the role is evident, as he originally sought the role of Thomas Hutter before ultimately being cast as the vampire himself.
Nicholas Hoult plays Thomas Hutter, Ellen’s husband and the film’s main protagonist. Hoult is no stranger to the horror genre, having starred in films like Warm Bodies and The Menu. Initially, Harry Styles was considered for the role, but Hoult ultimately secured the part.
Lily-Rose Depp portrays Ellen Hutter, a character who becomes the focal point of Orlok’s obsession. Depp has been building her acting career through roles in films such as The King and the controversial HBO series The Idol. Ralph Ineson, known for his role in The VVitch, will play Dr. Wilhelm Seivers, while Willem Dafoe joins the cast as Professor Albin Eberhart Von Franz—a character created specifically for this adaptation.
Other cast members include Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Emma Corrin, who will portray Friedrich and Anna Harding, respectively. Simon McBurney takes on the role of Herr Knock, Thomas Hutter’s employer, known for his roles in The Conjuring 2 and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.
Plot Overview
As a remake of a film over a century old, the plot of Nosferatu is rooted in established lore. The story is set in the 1800s and follows Thomas Hutter, who travels to Count Orlok’s castle to assist with the paperwork for Orlok’s purchase of a house. This house is ominously located next to Hutter’s own home.
As Hutter spends time at the castle, he begins to suspect that Orlok is not just a reclusive aristocrat but a vampire. His fears are compounded by the townspeople’s strange reactions to Orlok’s name and various blood-related incidents.
The turning point occurs when Orlok sees a photograph of Ellen and becomes infatuated with her. Ellen, learning about the vampire’s nature, realizes that the only way to defeat him is through a “pure-hearted” woman willingly offering her blood. This central conflict raises questions about love, obsession, and sacrifice, themes Eggers is known for exploring in his films.
Production and Filming
Robert Eggers is not only directing but also writing and producing Nosferatu. This film marks his fourth feature, following the success of The VVitch, The Lighthouse, and The Northman.
The production team includes experienced professionals, with Jarin Blaschke serving as the cinematographer and Louise Ford editing the film. The score will be composed by Robin Carolan, who previously collaborated with Eggers.
Filming for Nosferatu began in March 2023 in Prague, specifically at the historic Invalidovna, a site known for its stunning architecture and historical significance. The filming wrapped up on May 29, 2023, signaling that Eggers and his team are now in the post-production phase.
