According to an exclusive story from Deadline, director Robert Eggers’ remake of the classic horror film Nosferatu has acquired numerous new cast members, and the project is slated to be produced by Focus Features. The next horror thriller will be written and directed by Eggers. Bill Skarsgrd, who is most remembered for his chilling turn as Pennywise the Clown in It, is in talks to portray the title role of the classic vampire, who is noted for his rat-like fangs, long bony fingers, and menacing glare. It’s unclear if the reimagined figure will retain his look from the 1978 movie.
Lily-Rose Depp (The King) is in discussions to star alongside Skarsgrd in the picture as the young woman who becomes the vampire’s obsession. While plot specifics are still being kept under wraps, Deadline claims that the film will be set in 19th-century Germany and revolve around the title character, a vampire obsessed with a young lady he hunts and terrorises. Nosferatu has the potential to be an exciting picture for fans to watch out for when it finally premieres, with Eggers’ trademark directing approach bringing one of the most famous horror films to a new generation of viewers. Released in 1922 as an unofficial take on Bram Stoker’s Dracula, the original Nosferatu spooked viewers upon its debut.
After a lawsuit by Stoker’s wife, however, all remaining copies of the film were destroyed. Despite efforts to ban it, Nosferatu has stood the test of time as one of the most influential and celebrated horror films of all time, winning awards and plaudits for its spectacular graphics and disturbing images. Egger had previously indicated an interest in remaking the iconic horror picture. Egger directed The Witch. Harry Styles and Anya Taylor-Joy, with whom Eggers has worked before, were said to be in discussions to star in the movie. They both had to bail on the project, according to Deadline, because of schedule difficulties.
Eggers told Steve Weintraub that he never meant for Styles to portray the titular vampire.
The celebrated director halted plans for the adaptation and went on to direct The Lighthouse and this year’s The Northman. Now that production has begun on the director’s pet project, horror movie buffs may look forward to a fresh take on an old favourite. Eggers will not only write and direct the picture, but will also produce it alongside Jeff Robinov, John Graham, Chris Columbus, and Eleanor Columbus. There is currently no scheduled release date for Nosferatu while production is still ongoing.