‘The Smell Is Insane’: Nosferatu Director Robert Eggers Used A Huge Number Of Real Rats In The Making Of The New Horror Movie

‘The Smell Is Insane’: Nosferatu Director Robert Eggers Used A Huge Number Of Real Rats In The Making Of The New Horror Movie

As a lifelong horror enthusiast who’s seen my fair share of creepy critters, I must say that Robert Eggers‘ decision to use real rats in his remake of Nosferatu is nothing short of ballsy. 5,000 of them! That’s enough to give even the bravest rodent wrangler a case of the willies. But hey, if it adds authenticity to the film, who am I to argue?


It’s no surprise that Robert Eggers, a renowned filmmaker and writer known for his thrilling films, has shown exceptional dedication to authentic period details – from dialogues to set design elements. Given this, it’s not entirely unexpected that the production of his upcoming movie, a remake of Nosferatu, would involve real rats… yet it remains astonishing to learn just how many rodents were present during filming.

As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve got to share an exclusive scoop from behind the scenes of the highly-anticipated movie, “Nosferatu.” Although it’s not set to release until late December, a special screening was held in Los Angeles last week, and I was fortunate enough to attend. The event was even more thrilling as it was followed by an engaging Q&A session with the masterminds behind the film, Robert Eggers and Guillermo del Toro.

Approximately 5,000 authentic rats were used in the scene. In the foreground, these genuine rats appear, while computer-generated ones take over and become sparser in the background. The rats were expertly trained, as evidenced by their ability to respond to cues, such as when they exit a ship. A surprising fact I learned during production is that rats are incontinent, which led to some intense odors on set where they were present, specifically near Emma Corrin.

To be frank, I didn’t have prior knowledge regarding bladder control issues in rats. As for the scent they might produce en masse, it’s hard to envision what that would actually smell like having 5,000 of them around.

People acquainted with the 1922 version of “Nosferatu” would recognize why rats played a significant role in the remake’s filming. In Robert Eggers’ movie, the terrifying Count Orlok (played by Bill Skarsgård) arrives in Germany to spread fear and vampirism. The ship that brings him also transports rats within the dirt-filled coffins of Count Orlok, causing what appears to be a lethal plague. Eggers’ quote alludes to this rat-infested ship, although I won’t delve deeper into the scene involving rats and Emma Corrin until closer to the film’s release.

In the trailer for the movie “Nosferatu”, you’ll find quick glimpses of rats scurrying about. These scenes feature rat-ridden streets and an individual, whose identity isn’t clear, using a torch to fend off a group of rats that are causing trouble.

Featuring Nicholas Hoult, Lily-Rose Depp, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Willem Dafoe, Ralph Ineson, and Simon McBurney alongside Bill Skarsgård and Emma Corrin, the chilling horror film Nosferatu is set to debut in theaters on Christmas Day, December 25. Following its initial screening, the movie has received enthusiastic responses, so be ready and save the date!

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2024-11-12 05:07