‘Nosferatu’ Star Nicholas Hoult Was Almost Attacked by Wolves

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As a seasoned cinema enthusiast with an affinity for horror films that leave me quivering in my seat, I must admit that the recent remake of ‘Nosferatu’ has undeniably left an indelible mark on my heart… and a few scratches on my soul.

Having had the privilege to witness Nicholas Hoult‘s harrowing account of his terrifying experience during filming, I can confidently say that this production was not for the faint-hearted, not even behind the camera. The scene where he narrowly escaped being mauled by wolves while fleeing from Count Orlok’s castle – a sequence that didn’t make it to the final cut – sounds like something straight out of a nightmare.

While I can only imagine how exhilarating (and terrifying) it must have been for Hoult to live through such an ordeal, I can’t help but wonder if he ever considered joining the circus as a wolf tamers apprentice after that close call. After all, one could argue that acting is simply a more civilized form of being chased by wild animals.

In any case, it’s safe to say that ‘Nosferatu’ has proven yet again that Robert Eggers knows how to create an atmosphere that will send shivers down your spine, leaving audiences both captivated and slightly traumatized. And if you ever find yourself in a situation where wolves are chasing you through a castle window, remember: always land on your feet, or at least try to avoid pulling a ‘silly face.’

In a modern twist on the chilling horror classic from 1922, “Nosferatu”, the remake, brought an unforgettable terror to life for actor Nicholas Hoult (playing Thomas Hutter). Directed by Robert Eggers, this film immerses us in the year 1838, where a town named Wisborg is plagued by a vampire who captivates a young woman with his haunting presence.

In October 2022, Hoult became part of the cast as Hutter following multiple discussions, as the character was first proposed to Harry Styles and subsequently to Bill Skarsgård, who ended up playing Count Orlok. Collaborating with Eggers, renowned for his cinematic atmospheric style, was anticipated to be a breeze for Hoult; however, it turned out to be more demanding than anticipated.

On the December 23, 2024 episode of Late Night With Seth Meyers, Hoult discussed the challenges of filming the horror movie, specifically scenes that required authentic fear. In reply to the host’s question, the actor shared an account of one harrowing experience where he was pursued by wolves and narrowly avoided injury while attempting to flee through a window. Regrettably, this specific event did not appear in Eggers’ final edit of the film. He expressed:

“During our discussion on Late Night With Seth Meyers in 2024, I shared an experience from the making of the horror movie where I had to convey real fear. One particular instance involved a chase by wolves, almost leading to injury as I tried to escape through a window. Sadly, this sequence did not appear in Eggers’ final version.

There was a moment that sent shivers down my spine. In the movie, there were wolves pursuing me as I fled Count Orlok’s castle through a window. As I prepared for the scene, I stood in place and built up my courage, while they were kept at bay by leashes, growling menacingly with hunger in their eyes. I thought to myself, “This is quite intense.

After a moment of running and almost slipping out of the window while being pursued, I managed to escape, only to be told by Rob, “Cut, cut, cut. That’s not good. You made a funny face we can’t use.” He then showed me the footage where my expression turned into an excited “Weeeh”. I explained that it was genuine fear, as I hadn’t asked about what would happen if the wolves or dogs caught me. I wondered if they were trained not to bite.

Robert Eggers Strikes Again With ‘Nosferatu’

Over the years, director Eggers has created a number of outstanding films, including “The Witch,” which boasts one of the most unsettling endings in horror, and “The Northman,” an exceptionally violent Viking tale that stands out. Now, his latest work, “Nosferatu,” is also receiving critical acclaim with an 87% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, earning positive feedback from both critics and audiences alike.

It’s accurate to say that Hoult experienced a very frightening incident during Eggers’ movie production, but it appears the issue was quickly resolved. Fingers crossed that the footage will be added to the upcoming DVD/Blu-ray release, though it’s likely not going to happen. By the way, Nosferatu is currently showing in cinemas.

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2025-01-01 19:31