Actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson is preparing to join forces once again with director Robert Eggers in the upcoming period horror film Werwulf, following their previous collaboration on Nosferatu. The new movie, set in 13th-century England, aims to explore the werewolf legend within a dark and gritty historical backdrop. This project presents an opportunity for Taylor-Johnson to reclaim his standing with Warner’s fans after mixed reactions to his earlier role.
Werwulf will also star Lily-Rose Depp, completing a trio of principal performers who have ties to Eggers. The reunion comes amid considerable anticipation from followers of atmospheric, period-specific horror, and fans will watch closely to see how Taylor-Johnson’s performance compares to his prior work.
Reassessing Taylor-Johnson’s Performance After Nosferatu
Taylor-Johnson is returning to work with Eggers after appearing in the 2024 film Nosferatu, where he played Friedrich Harding, a rich shipbuilder and companion to Thomas Hutter, portrayed by Nicholas Hoult. Despite Nosferatu’s overall critical and commercial success, Taylor-Johnson’s portrayal was notably singled out by viewers as underwhelming, especially given the film’s immersive setting and demanding period authenticity.
Many fans felt that the actor struggled with adopting the Old English accent appropriate for the early 1800s timeline, which affected the believability of his character. This shortcoming was frequently discussed on platforms such as Reddit, where fans expressed disappointment in his delivery and suitability for the role.
In contrast, Werwulf offers Taylor-Johnson a chance to embody a far more intense and complex character—the titular werewolf. His casting suggests a shift towards a darker and more physically demanding role, which might better showcase his abilities and allow him to overcome the criticism from Nosferatu.
Alongside Taylor-Johnson, Lily-Rose Depp will play his wife, adding another layer of dramatic tension within the medieval narrative crafted by Eggers.
Robert Eggers Promises the Darkest Project of His Career with Werwulf
Robert Eggers announced Werwulf as his next film in January 2025, shortly after the strong box office performance of Nosferatu, which grossed over $181 million worldwide. Unlike Nosferatu, which was based on an existing story, Werwulf is said to be an original screenplay authored by Eggers with help from his collaborator Sjón, known for co-writing The Northman.
The film situates itself in 13th-century England and delves into the folklore surrounding werewolves. Eggers teased the film during a Q&A event, describing it as:
“It’s a medieval werewolf movie. And it’s also the darkest thing I’ve ever written.” —Robert Eggers, Director
This statement sets expectations for an unsettling and intense experience, likely incorporating Eggers’ signature blend of dark atmosphere and historical detail. The project reportedly includes dialogue in Old English, emphasizing authenticity, and although Eggers considered filming in black and white, he ultimately chose to shoot in color.
Production Details and Anticipated Release
Werwulf’s distribution will be handled by Focus Features, the same company responsible for releasing Nosferatu in the United States. The film is scheduled for a Christmas 2026 debut, positioning it as a major release during the holiday season and potentially a contender for critical attention.
Given Eggers’ growing reputation for crafting compelling and eerie period horror films, Werwulf could mark a significant evolution in his body of work, especially if Taylor-Johnson delivers a strong performance. This new project might alter perceptions of the actor’s range and ability to handle complex, demanding roles within this genre.
Fans of Eggers’ style and Taylor-Johnson’s previous work will be eager to see if Werwulf can surpass Nosferatu both artistically and commercially. Meanwhile, Nosferatu remains available for streaming on Prime Video and Apple TV+, serving as a foundation for viewers to judge the creative growth between the two films.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Was Aaron Taylor-Johnson 17 when he met his wife?
A. Sam Taylor-Wood, actor Aaron Johnson, Abby Greenheart, and Angelica Jopling went to the Closing Gala premiere of the movie “Nowhere Boy.” This event took place during The Times BFI London Film Festival at the Odeon Leicester Square on October 29, 2009, in London, England. Aaron was 19 years old when he first met Sam, who was in her forties at the time.
