Director Robert Eggers, known for his work on "Nosferatu" and "The Witch," is set to delve deeper into the horror genre with his next project, "Werwulf." The film, slated for a December 25 release, centers on a 14th-century English town under siege by a monstrous, wolf-like creature. Eggers described the film as an evolution rather than a radical departure from his previous work, noting that the challenging Welsh forest settings presented unique obstacles.
"The forest has its own rules," Eggers stated in an email interview, explaining that he often had to adapt his meticulously planned shots due to the environment's unpredictable nature. This contrasts with the extreme locations he encountered in "The Northman" and "The Lighthouse."
Despite the inherent risks in his filmmaking approach, Eggers expressed gratitude for the creative freedom he possesses. He trusts his instincts and hopes his work resonates with audiences, acknowledging that a "formula" for success does not exist. He believes that modern audiences are increasingly receptive to unique cinematic experiences, stating they "are more cinema-literate than ever and want to at least try something different."
"Werwulf" reunites Eggers with actor Willem Dafoe, who has featured in several of the director's films. Eggers confirmed that he often writes with Dafoe in mind, praising the actor's ability to capture the "joke of life" and imbue his characters with an enjoyable, even in dark, demeanor. Dafoe's distinctive facial features are also a significant asset for period pieces.
When asked about his favorite werewolf films, Eggers cited "The Company of Wolves" and Hammer's "Curse of the Werewolf" as personal favorites, while acknowledging "An American Werewolf in London" as the best in the genre. "Werwulf" is scheduled to premiere in theaters on December 25.