Robert Eggers to Direct Werewolf Film ‘Werwulf’ After ‘Nosferatu’ Success

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The 2024 remake of “Nosferatu,” directed by Robert Eggers, has given him plenty to be proud of. Starring Bill Skarsgård, Lily-Rose Depp, and Nicholas Hoult, this horror movie had a successful release during the Christmas week and has since earned $90 million in the U.S. and $156 million globally. With an impressive box office performance and positive critic reviews, “Nosferatu” has effectively given Eggers a free rein, and he is using this opportunity to explore another classic monster type – werewolves – in his upcoming film.

As a cinephile penning down my thoughts, I’m thrilled to share that Robert Eggers, the mastermind behind ‘Nosferatu’, is gearing up for another chilling tale titled ‘Werwulf’. Co-written with Sjón, who was also a part of the team for ‘The Northman’, this original film promises to transport us back to 13th-century England.

While specifics about the plot remain cloaked in secrecy, reliable sources suggest that the dialogue will be authentically period-specific, with translations and annotations for those less familiar with Old English. The distributor of ‘Nosferatu’, Focus Features, is joining forces once more with Eggers, aiming to recreate the box office magic that transformed ‘Nosferatu’ into a surprise hit.

Unlike its predecessors like ‘Nosferatu’ and ‘Wolf Man’, ‘Werwulf’ doesn’t seem to be rooted in a classic film or iconic property, making it an exciting venture into uncharted territory. It’s set to grace our screens on Christmas Day 2026, so mark your calendars for this intriguing tale of mystery and horror!

As a movie enthusiast, I was thrilled to hear about the upcoming release of “Werwulf,” especially considering the recent underwhelming performance of Universal Pictures’ Dracula-inspired films such as “Renfield” and “The Last Voyage of the Demeter” in 2023. However, it seems that Focus Features, a division of Universal Pictures, is ready to turn things around with their successful revival of “Nosferatu.” Although the cast for “Werwulf” has yet to be announced, given director Robert Eggers’s track record, we can anticipate a brilliantly talented cast, and perhaps even a role for Willem Dafoe.

Werewolf Movies Need a Comeback

As a cinephile, I’m absolutely thrilled about Eggers’ upcoming film titled “Werwulf.” His exceptional directing skills have consistently set him apart in the industry, and I firmly believe that he’s the perfect choice to reinvigorate the werewolf genre.

While zombies and vampires have managed to reinvent themselves time and again, werewolves have struggled to captivate audiences, often falling short at the box office despite some fantastic films like “Werewolves Within” in 2020 and more recently, “Wolf Man.” These movies, while brilliant, tend to be overlooked by the general public, leading to disappointing box-office returns.

Over a period of two months, both “Werewolves” and “The Wolf Man” premiered but fell short at the box office. Sandwiched between them was Eggers’ “Nosferatu,” which surpassed the combined earnings of both movies and garnered more favorable reviews than the werewolf-themed films. Here’s hoping history doesn’t repeat itself, as “Werwulf” seems to share many similarities with “The Wolf Man.” Notably, “The Wolf Man” was a sequel from a critically acclaimed director, and an updated version of a classic horror monster that didn’t live up to the expectations set by its predecessor. The release schedule of “Werwulf” following “Nosferatu,” which also premiered on Christmas Day, is daring, but establishing this as a yearly holiday tradition could be warmly received by many.

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2025-01-22 21:32