Aaron Taylor-Johnson to Star in Robert Eggers’ Darkest Film Yet: Werwulf

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According to Variety, Robert Eggers’ upcoming gothic horror project is gaining momentum, and it appears that some familiar names are getting involved. It has been reported that Aaron Taylor-Johnson will join forces with Eggers again, this time playing the lead character in the movie titled “Werwulf,” following their collaboration on “Nosferatu.

Eggers’ Bleakest Vision Yet

Eggers has gained recognition for creating chilling, historically authentic horror movies, beginning with “The Witch” and progressing through “The Lighthouse,” “The Northman,” and more recently, “Nosferatu.” Now, with the upcoming film “Werwulf,” he might be unleashing his most disturbing work yet. As reported by Culture Crave on X, Eggers himself has labeled this upcoming project as “the darkest story I’ve ever penned—by far.

In a departure from typical storytelling, the plot details remain scant, only set in medieval times. However, an intriguing stylistic decision is the employment of Old English dialogues, a choice that echoes Avery Eggers’ past work such as The Witch. It seems that with his upcoming film, Werwulf, Eggers is taking this archaic language usage to new heights. Rumors indicate that audiences might be provided on-screen translations or explanatory help to navigate the story, showcasing Eggers’ persistent commitment to artistic authenticity and innovation.

The title “Werwulf,” originally spelled in Old English, suggests a rich folklore background. Eggers seems to be tapping into Anglo-Saxon and Norse mythology, creating a tale that combines Christian superstition, pagan beliefs, and raw terror. With its attention to historical detail and supernatural violence, Werwulf appears to be more than your typical monster movie. It’s shaping up to be a chilling exploration of medieval dread.

Familiar Faces, New Horrors

Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who recently starred in Danny Boyle’s movie “28 Years Later,” will play the main character after experiencing a rough period at the box office with Sony’s “Kraven the Hunter.” This Marvel spinoff received negative reviews and didn’t do well financially, causing some uncertainty about the actor’s future in genre films. Now, under Eggers’ direction again, following his role as Friedrich Harding in “Nosferatu,” Aaron Taylor-Johnson has an opportunity to make amends with the upcoming film “Werwulf.” Instead of relying on comic-book-style spectacle, this project focuses on realistic horror.

Lily-Rose Depp, best known for her role as Ellen Hutter in the film ‘Nosferatu’, is said to be considering a part in the cast, potentially playing the title character’s spouse. Her recent projects, such as HBO’s ‘The Idol’ and David Michôd’s ‘The King’, demonstrate a growing interest in intense, dramatic roles, making her an excellent fit for Eggers’ style.

Willem Dafoe, often working with director Robert Eggers, is likely to feature in the upcoming film “Werwulf”, although the specifics of his role remain unclear. Dafoe’s memorable performances in “The Lighthouse”, “The Northman”, and “Nosferatu” have significantly contributed to Eggers’ body of work. As reported by Bloody Disgusting, he is again considering joining forces with Eggers for another dark project, potentially his next cinematic vision.

A Production Steeped in Myth and Blood

Alongside Working Title, filmmakers Eggers and Sjón are co-producing the upcoming project. The Columbus duo serves as executive producers. Major filming is scheduled to happen at Elstree Studios in the United Kingdom. The crew, with Eggers’ returning artists for production design and cinematography, are anticipated to focus on authentic lighting and medieval set designs, similar to their previous works such as “The Northman” and “The Witch.

Stepping into the shoes of a medieval movie critic, let me share my thoughts on an upcoming cinematic masterpiece titled “Werwulf”. This gripping tale, nestled in the heart of 13th-century England, delves deep into the realms of witchcraft and transformation. The narrative unfolds entirely in the ancient tongue of Old English, a choice that promises an immersive, authentic experience for the audience.

The film is the joint creation of visionaries, directors Eggers and his longtime collaborator Sjón, who together brought us the epic saga “The Northman”. Filming is set to commence this September at the hallowed grounds of Elstree Studios. The final cut will grace our screens on Christmas Day 2026, courtesy of Focus Features. Get ready to embark on a journey through time and immerse yourself in the raw, untamed beauty of Old England.

The title’s origin (“werwulf,” meaning “man-wolf”) and its dark atmosphere, which highlights religious dread, appear to be integral aspects of this project. Instead of merely being a werewolf film, it seems to delve into the folklore of ancient monsters, those feared before Hollywood added fangs to them.

Final Thoughts

With its chilling historical backdrop, daring use of language, and familiar faces from Eggers’ previous works, Werwulf could potentially become the most engrossing and merciless film in his entire oeuvre.

For Aaron Taylor-Johnson, it signifies a crucial shift following “Kraven”. For Eggers, it’s a further descent into the ominous. And for horror enthusiasts, it presents an intriguing prospect: something primordial, brutal, and crafted with unsettling precision.

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2025-07-19 19:57