Famously, the filmmaker Robert Eggers takes historical accuracy very seriously (see: Robert Pattinson speaking like a Maine lobster fisherman in The Lighthouse, or the archaeological basis for Björk’s magical seer in The Northman). And how can we be sure that his new film, about a werewolf in 13th-century England, is going to follow the same pattern? Because he spells “werewulf” the Old English way, with a ‘u’. Say no more.
As the follow-up to Eggers’ Nosferatu (2024), Werewulf has some big fur-lined boots to fill. But things are looking good, with a few standout cast members set to return in starring roles, and Icelandic poet Sjón back in the writers’ room.
Read everything we know so far about the upcoming Werewulf below.
When it was first announced in January this year, Werewulf was billed as a werewolf horror film (obviously) set in 13th-century England. As far as the plot’s concerned, not much has been revealed. Could it be a Twilight-style crossover with the 1800s-set Nosferatu? Vampires do live a long time, after all! But… probably not. For one, Bill Skarsgård’s vampire nobleman is not that hot (despite what the internet might tell you). And anyway, Eggers would never stoop so low.
England in the 13th century was not a great time. Many peasants had to survive on what they could grow or catch, while noblemen battled for power under King Henry III, and towns began to spread across the countryside. On the plus side, churches and monasteries flourished, often being built in the ornate Gothic style (spooky!).
Needless to say, Eggers is likely to stay faithful to the period, whether Werewulf is set among rural peasants or in England’s rapidly expanding cities. According to the Hollywood Reporter, the film’s script features dialogue that’s accurate to the time period, with translations and annotations so that modern audiences can follow along. It was also reportedly going to be shot in black and white, but that’s no longer the case.
On July 15, it was announced that Aaron Taylor-Johnson (who played a wealthy shipbuilder and ill-fated vampire sceptic in Nosferatu, and more recently starred in 28 Years Later) has joined the cast for Werewulf. Lily-Rose Depp, who played the lead role in the vampire film, is also in talks to join the project, according to Variety, laying the groundwork for a full Nosferatu reunion.
True to form, Eggers wrote the script for Werewulf as well as sitting in the director’s chair. However, he had some help, in the form of Sjón, the Icelandic poet and novelist who previously worked on The Northman. Arthouse production company Focus Features is also back on board, having worked with Eggers on all of his films since his directorial debut, The Witch (2015).
No TBC here. Focus Features announced the film’s planned American release date all the way back in January this year. December 25, 2026. The UK release is scheduled for the same date. This mirrors the release date of Nosferatu in 2024. Although you won’t be able to see Nosferatu in said mirror… because vampires, etc.
Anyway, Nosferatu turned out to be a huge critical and commercial success, as well as maintaining a vicelike grip on pop culture for months after it released. Maybe Werewulf can find the same success. Top 10 Hottest Werewolves list incoming…
