Everything to Know About Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu Reimagining

As a seasoned movie enthusiast with a penchant for the macabre and the fantastical, I find myself eagerly anticipating the release of “Nosferatu” (2024). The film’s intriguing cast and the promise of an intense vampiric transformation by Bill Skarsgård pique my interest.

As a gaming enthusiast, I can’t help but feel a thrill of anticipation for Focus Features’ take on the timeless gothic horror masterpiece, Nosferatu. This year, director Robert Eggers brings his unique vision to life in this highly anticipated movie adaptation. With an impressive cast that includes Bill Skarsgård, Nicholas Hoult, and Lily-Rose Depp, it’s clear that this film is a labor of love for Eggers. As a lifelong fan of cinema, I can’t wait to see how he breathes new life into a horror icon born in 1922, F.W. Murnau’s original Nosferatu.

The initial movie, initially an unofficial interpretation of Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel “Dracula,” has a profound impact in the horror genre and was previously remade by the renowned director Werner Herzog in 1979 (available now on Peacock). Before Robert Eggers’ fresh perspective on “Nosferatu” premieres in theaters on December 25, let’s delve into the creative process to uncover how he devised this daring modern twist on this timeless vampire tale.

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The making of Robert Eggers’ new Nosferatu adaptation

2015 saw the announcement that Aarón Eggers had begun working on a remake of the classic horror film, “Nosferatu”, following the release of his debut movie, “The Witch”. In an interview with IndieWire, Eggers expressed his excitement about the project as he’s been a fan of “Nosferatu” since directing a high school production of the story at 17. At that time, Eggers was taken aback by the opportunity to work on such an iconic film, considering it only his second movie.

It seems inappropriate, arrogant, and distasteful for a filmmaker like me to take on ‘Nosferatu’ next. I had initially planned to wait, but that’s just the way things turned out,” Eggers stated to IndieWire.

Despite an unexpected turn of events, Eggers’ adaptation of Nosferatu got delayed. The production of this film underwent a lengthy phase during the subsequent decade, during which Eggers directed two other films, The Lighthouse in 2019 and The Northman in 2022. Throughout these projects, Eggers solidified his status as a director dedicated to historical accuracy, transporting viewers into the film’s time period, a trait he intends to maintain in the 19th-century setting of Nosferatu.

Initially, Anya Taylor-Joy and Harry Styles were set to star in the movie, with Taylor-Joy as Ellen Hutter and Styles in an unspecified role. However, due to scheduling conflicts, both actors had to withdraw from the project. By the end of 2022 and beginning of 2023, the cast for the remake of ‘Nosferatu’ was officially confirmed. Filming for this movie took place in Czechia, Romania, and Germany during the spring of 2023. ‘Nosferatu’ marks director Robert Eggers’ second collaboration with Focus Features, following ‘The Northman’.

What is Nosferatu about?

Robert Eggers’ interpretation of Nosferatu revolves around a chilling narrative of an enamored yet dread-filled relationship between a tormented young woman and a horrifying vampire who is captivated by her, leaving a trail of terror in its path.

Similar to the initial movie, Nosferatu tells the story of real estate agent Thomas Hutter, portrayed by Hoult, who stumbles upon the enigmatic and terrifying Count Orlok, played by Skarsgård, while on a mission to assist him with a property purchase. As Hutter endures chilling encounters, he becomes convinced that Orlok is no ordinary being. When Orlok tracks Hutter back to his German hometown, he seeks assistance in figuring out and vanquishing the vampire. Count Orlok also harbors an unnatural, supernatural fascination with Hutter’s wife, Ellen, played by Lily-Rose Depp.

If the scenario seems like a nod to “Dracula,” it’s because the 1922 version of “Nosferatu” was actually an unlicensed interpretation of Bram Stoker’s renowned vampire novel. The characters’ names were altered in an effort to bypass copyright, but the original “Nosferatu” has since carved out a unique niche as a horror genre icon.

In contrast to earlier adaptations of “Nosferatu,” Eggers’ version is expected to focus more on the character of Ellen, portrayed by Johnny Depp, and her extraordinary connection with Orlok. Previews and initial reviews from screenings of the new “Nosferatu” have been very positive, commending Depp’s performance and the film overall.

Who stars in Nosferatu?

As a die-hard movie enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that the stellar ensemble of the upcoming Nosferatu includes Bill Skarsgård, Nicholas Hoult, Lily-Rose Depp, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Emma Corrin, and Willem Dafoe. Quite a lineup, isn’t it?

In the movie “Nosferatu”, Bill Skarsgård portrays Count Orlok, the terrifying vampire character. Renowned for his chilling transformation as Pennywise in the “It” series, Skarsgård has apparently gone through an equally intense metamorphosis to become Orlok. It’s said that he spent around six hours every day getting made up, and the promotional material for “Nosferatu” is subtly keeping Orlok’s appearance a secret, so viewers will have to visit the theater to catch a glimpse of the vampire’s ghastly countenance.

He’s changed so much in every way that I’m not sure if he’ll receive the recognition he deserves,” Eggers said to Total Film, hinting at Skarsgård’s vampire-like transformation. “You can see Bill as Pennywise with the makeup from ‘It’; here, there’s no trace of Bill. He worked closely with an opera coach to lower his voice by an octave. I believe people will think we used digital effects, but that’s just his acting skills at play.

Initially, Alexander Skarsgård was given the opportunity to portray Thomas Hutter, a role that ultimately went to Nicholas Hoult (recognized for his performances in “The Menu” and “The Favourite”). Interestingly, this isn’t Hoult’s only encounter with the supernatural; he previously starred as a charming zombie in “Warm Bodies” and as Dracula’s tormented assistant in “Renfield”, currently streaming on Peacock. Lily-Rose Depp, famous for her roles in “The King” and “The Idol”, takes on the role of Ellen Hutter, Thomas’ wife, who shares a cryptic connection with Orlok.

In the new production, Aaron Taylor-Johnson known for his roles in “Bullet Train” and “Kick-Ass”, portrays merchant Friedrich Harding. Meanwhile, Emma Corrin, famously recognized for her work in “The Crown” and “Deadpool & Wolverine”, takes on the role of Anna, Harding’s wife. Following his appearance as Max Schreck in “Shadow of the Vampire”, Willem Dafoe (who has been in “Spider-Man” and “The Lighthouse”) revisits the realm of vampires, this time as Professor Albin Eberhart Von Franz, a psychopathic vampire hunter. This character is original, yet draws inspiration from Bulwer in the original “Nosferatu” and Van Helsing from “Dracula”.

Ralph Ineson, famous for his roles in “The Green Knight” and his previous work with Eggers on “The Witch,” portrays Dr. Wilhelm Sievers, an accomplice of Von Franz. Meanwhile, Simon McBurney, known for films like “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy” and “Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation,” plays Knock, the enigmatic employer of Hutter who conceals a sinister past.

How can you watch Nosferatu (2024)?

On Christmas Day, December 25th, you’ll have a unique chance to watch “Nosferatu,” produced by Focus Features, only in cinemas. Secure your tickets ahead of time via Fandango!

2024-12-04 00:31