Bill Skarsgård in Nosferatu: What to Know About Eggers’ Film
Following the recent theatrical release of the vampire horror-comedy Abigail, another exciting project is on the horizon for fans of classic vampire lore. Director Robert Eggers, known for his unique storytelling style, has been toying with the idea of reviving the legendary vampire tale since 2015. At that time, Eggers had only released The VVitch, feeling that he hadn’t yet established his prominence in the film industry. However, after gaining acclaim with films like The Lighthouse and The Northman, he is poised to tackle the monumental film Nosferatu, a project that fans have eagerly anticipated.
Given Eggers’ penchant for weaving elements of folklore and mythology into his films, it’s no surprise that he was chosen to helm this adaptation. This new Nosferatu is set to be an “unauthorized and unofficial” rendition of Bram Stoker’s renowned Dracula. The original Nosferatu, released in 1922, was one of the first cinematic portrayals of vampires and has become a cornerstone of horror cinema. The film was remade in 1979 as Nosferatu the Vampyre, directed by Werner Herzog. Now, under Eggers’ direction, this iconic horror film is being reimagined for contemporary audiences, much to the chagrin of some of Stoker’s descendants. This comprehensive guide will delve into everything you need to know about this highly anticipated film!
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What Is the Release Date for ‘Nosferatu’?
Focus Features had previously kept the release date for Nosferatu under wraps, but in November 2023, it was announced that Nosferatu is set to premiere exclusively in theaters on Christmas Day 2024. This strategic release will pit the film against several other high-profile movies hitting theaters on the same day, including the Nicole Kidman-led erotic thriller Babygirl, the Barry Jenkins-scripted sports drama The Fire Inside, and the Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown, featuring Timothée Chalamet. Additionally, just five days prior, audiences can expect other big releases like <em>Sonic the Hedgehog 3</em>, Mufasa: The Lion King, and The Brutalist.
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Is ‘Nosferatu’ Set for Theatrical Release?
Yes, Nosferatu will enjoy an exclusive theatrical release upon its premiere in December 2024. As a production of Focus Features, the film is expected to be available on the streaming service Peacock sometime in early 2025, allowing audiences who miss it in theaters to catch up on the chilling vampire saga later.
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What Rating Is Assigned to ‘Nosferatu’?
In any true vampire movie, elements of blood and horror are essential, and Nosferatu is no exception. It comes as no surprise that this film has been rated “R for bloody violent content, graphic nudity, and some sexual content” by the MPA. This rating aligns perfectly with Robert Eggers’ previous works, each of which has also received R ratings, showcasing his commitment to exploring the darker themes present in horror cinema.
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What Is the Length of ‘Nosferatu’?
Nosferatu has a runtime of 132 minutes (or 2 hours and 12 minutes), making it the second-longest film in Eggers’ oeuvre, just five minutes shorter than The Northman. This extended runtime allows for a deeper exploration of the characters and the chilling atmosphere that is characteristic of Eggers’ films, promising a rich cinematic experience for horror fans.
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Where Can I Watch the ‘Nosferatu’ Trailer?
Yes, a teaser trailer for Nosferatu was released after its exclusive viewing prior to screenings of Jeff Nichols‘ crime-drama The Bikeriders. Focus Features unveiled the first official teaser trailer online on June 24, 2024, generating excitement among fans. The teaser had previously been showcased during Universal’s CinemaCon presentation in April 2024. Collider’s Britta DeVore provided a captivating description of the trailer:
The teaser opens with Lily-Rose Depp praying fervently, expressing her hopes for something—or someone—to come to her. A voiceover from Depp’s character, Ellen Hutter, poses a haunting question to Willem Dafoe’s Professor Albin Eberhart Von Franz: does evil arise from within, or does it infiltrate from the outside? The pace intensifies with shocking visuals, including swarms of rats and a man gruesomely biting the head off a pigeon, as we witness Nicholas Hoult’s Thomas Hutter encountering the castle of Count Orlok (Bill Skarsgård). At the climax of the teaser, the shadowy figure of the towering vampire emerges, accompanied by a dog, leaving the audience breathless with anticipation.
The full trailer for Nosferatu was officially released by Focus Features on September 30, 2024. This two-and-a-half-minute preview reveals Ellen Hutter being haunted by Count Orlok after her husband, Thomas, inadvertently shows the vampire a photograph of her, setting the stage for a terrifying confrontation.
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Who Are the Stars of ‘Nosferatu’?
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Bill Skarsgård |
Count Orlok |
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Nicholas Hoult |
Thomas Hutter |
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Lily-Rose Depp |
Ellen Hutter |
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Aaron Taylor-Johnson |
Friedrich Harding |
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Emma Corrin |
Anna Harding |
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Willem Dafoe |
Prof. Albin Eberthart Von Franz |
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Ralph Ineson |
Dr. Wilhelm Siever |
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Simon McBurney |
Herr Knock |
