Director Robert Eggers is reuniting with Aaron Taylor-Johnson for his latest horror project, ‘Werwulf’, set to begin filming in September 2025. This announcement marks a continuation of Eggers’ collaboration with familiar talent, as Taylor-Johnson is cast as the central werewolf figure in this dark, medieval tale.
Focus Features Backs Eggers’ Upcoming Werewolf Horror
Following the success of ‘Nosferatu’, which earned strong box office returns for Focus Features, the studio is once again partnering with Eggers on ‘Werwulf’. The upcoming film promises to continue the director’s signature blend of atmospheric horror and historical detail, this time focusing on a werewolf narrative set in 13th-century England with authentic Old English dialogue.
Plot and Creative Team Behind ‘Werwulf’
While full plot details remain closely guarded, ‘Werwulf’ is co-written by Eggers and Sjón, the Icelandic writer who collaborated with Eggers on the Viking epic ‘The Northman’. The story reportedly explores themes of witchcraft alongside its central werewolf mythology. Lily-Rose Depp is set to co-star as the werewolf’s wife, expanding the reunification of ‘Nosferatu’ leads under Eggers’ direction.
Initially, Eggers considered shooting the film in black and white but has since abandoned this approach in favor of a more traditional color palette. Known for his meticulous period accuracy, Eggers aims to make ‘Werwulf’ one of his most graphic and intense films to date. The production will be supported by Christopher Columbus and his daughter Eleanor via their company Maiden Voyage Pictures, who have worked with the director on previous projects, including ‘Nosferatu’.
Deadline reports that regular Eggers collaborator Willem Dafoe is in discussions to join the cast, and there is speculation about whether other familiar actors such as Anya Taylor-Joy and Ralph Ineson will return for the project.
Scheduled Release Set for Christmas 2026
‘Werwulf’ is slated for a December 25, 2026 release, following the successful Christmas Day launch strategy that helped ‘Nosferatu’ gain visibility amid the holiday season. This timing aims to position the film for both critical attention and audience impact during a traditionally quiet window for horror releases.
Robert Eggers’ Filmography Highlights
Robert Eggers has steadily developed a reputation for atmospheric period horror that combines folklore, historical detail, and psychological depth. His key films include:
- The Witch (2016) – A story of religious paranoia and witchcraft in 17th-century New England.
- The Lighthouse (2019) – A psychological thriller focused on isolation and madness between two lighthouse keepers.
- The Northman (2022) – A Viking revenge saga co-written with Sjón.
- Nosferatu (2024) – A stylish remake of the classic vampire film that marked another collaboration with Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Lily-Rose Depp.
Eggers continues to push the boundaries of horror cinema with his intense historical settings and complex character portrayals, and ‘Werwulf’ is expected to further establish his distinctive voice within the genre.
