SPOILER ALERT: This text accommodates gentle spoilers about “Nosferatu,” now taking part in in theaters.

The highly anticipated film “Nosferatu,” directed by Robert Eggers, is now captivating audiences in theaters, presented by Focus Features. This cinematic masterpiece is a bold reinterpretation of F.W. Murnau’s iconic 1922 silent film, featuring a stellar cast that includes Lily-Rose Depp as the enchanting Ellen Hutter and Bill Skarsgård portraying the eerie Count Orlok. The film also boasts performances from Nicholas Hoult, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Emma Corrin, and Eggers’ frequent collaborators, Willem Dafoe and Ralph Ineson. “Nosferatu” intricately weaves together elements of dark historical lore, reminiscent of Eggers’ previous works such as “The Witch,” “The Lighthouse,” and “The Northman,” while introducing themes of desire and an electrifying erotic undercurrent. In a candid discussion with Variety, Eggers shares insights on his creative journey and the unique collaboration with director Chris Columbus, along with the buzz surrounding the viral “Nosferatu” merchandise.

What Childhood Fascination Sparked Your Interest in the Original “Nosferatu”?

My fascination with vampires began early, particularly after watching the Bela Lugosi classic multiple times and attending Halloween as Dracula. However, “Nosferatu” resonated with me on a deeper level. The recent restorations reveal details like Max Schreck’s bald cap and grease paint, which were lost in the degraded 16mm print I had as a child. The way it was presented then made it feel like an authentic relic from the past, enhancing its haunting atmosphere. This degradation added to its allure, making it feel like a genuine artifact, rich with history and emotion, and that’s a feeling I have become somewhat obsessed with over the years — the authenticity of the experience it offers.

Did You Create a Novella to Prepare for “Nosferatu,” and Will It Ever Be Released?

Indeed, I wrote a full novella as part of my preparation for this project. However, I must admit that my skills as a novelist are lacking, and the writing is quite rough. While some of my screenplays may reflect a higher standard, the novella served primarily as a creative tool to help me draft the screenplay. It was never intended for publication, and I don’t think it will ever see the light of day because it’s not up to par with what I envision. The screenplay itself was an unfinished vehicle to facilitate the film’s creation, but the process of writing the novella was instrumental in shaping my vision for the movie.

How Did Your Journey Over the Past Decade Enhance Your Vision for “Nosferatu”?

Reflecting on the ten years it took to bring this film to fruition, I feel immense gratitude. This period allowed me to accumulate valuable knowledge and experiences that contributed to my ability to convey my artistic vision with greater precision. Although I’ve only directed four films, I’ve gained a level of control and creative freedom that was pivotal for delivering the narrative I wanted. The partnership with Focus Features provided not only significant financial backing but also the unprecedented support that empowered me to present the film exactly as I envisioned it — a unique opportunity that I consider a stroke of good fortune in my career.

What Led You to Believe Lily-Rose Depp Was Perfect for the Role of Ellen Hutter?

During our initial meeting, I was already impressed by Lily-Rose’s previous work, even though she hadn’t yet led a film. From that moment, I felt confident in her ability to embody the character of Ellen. I communicated my desire to cast her, but also emphasized the importance of the audition process. We prepared together, focusing on two challenging scenes: the poignant monologue about death during the wedding, and a climactic confrontation with her husband. What struck me was her raw, unrefined intensity during the audition, which mirrored the emotional depth required for the role. I prioritize seeing actors make bold choices, especially in the demanding films I create, and Lily-Rose’s performance showcased her hunger to excel in this role.

How Did You Decide on Count Orlok’s Distinctive Mustache Design?

To craft a truly terrifying vampire, I delved deep into folklore, which has always fascinated me. The early narratives surrounding vampires were penned by individuals who genuinely believed in their existence, depicting them as grotesque, undead beings. This sparked the question: What would a deceased Transylvanian nobleman look like? This led to envisioning elaborate Hungarian attire with long sleeves, peculiar high-heeled shoes, and, undeniably, a mustache. In fact, it’s nearly impossible to conceive a Transylvanian of that era without one. The cultural significance of facial hair cannot be overlooked—consider figures like Vlad the Impaler. Even Bram Stoker recognized the importance of giving Dracula a mustache in his literary work.

What Inspired the Iconic Final Shot Featuring Orlok and Ellen?

From the very beginning of conceptualizing Orlok’s demise, I always envisioned that striking final shot. It symbolizes our interpretation of the “Death and the Maiden” motif, which adds a rich layer of meaning to the narrative. It feels fitting and visually compelling, encapsulating the complex relationship between the characters.

[Thinks to himself, laughs.] I suppose that might come off as a bit morbid.

Can You Elaborate on the Darker Aspects of Orlok’s Character?

Indeed, if you examine that final shot closely, you’ll notice that Orlok is depicted with blood oozing from his eyes, ears, and nostrils. There are also maggot holes on his back, creating a macabre visual. We even rigged it in a way that he would appear to bleed from his nether regions, which added a humorous twist to an otherwise grim scene. Once we started filming, however, we had to find a way to tone that down, as it was quite comical.

What Key Insights About Filmmaking Did You Gain While Working on “Nosferatu”?

One undeniable lesson I learned from this project is that working with thousands of rats creates an incredibly pungent environment. Despite their intelligence, they are notoriously incontinent, which presents unique challenges on set that require careful consideration and management.

What Personal Discoveries Did You Make During the Filmmaking Process?

A particularly enriching experience was collaborating with Chris Columbus as the creative producer. Although we seem like an unusual pairing, having such an accomplished figure in traditional Hollywood storytelling by my side daily proved invaluable. Despite our contrasting styles, he aimed to enhance “Nosferatu” as a quintessential Robert Eggers film rather than imposing his own vision. His insights often served as a counterbalance to my more abstract tendencies, ensuring clarity in storytelling. Much of our discussions took place during the prep phase, especially as he reviewed storyboards. If given the chance, I would love for Chris to produce all my films. Unfortunately, being a director himself, he has his own projects to focus on, but his voice will always resonate in my creative process.

How Did Your Collaboration with Chris Columbus Begin?

The collaboration began during the post-production phase of “The Witch,” when we faced financial challenges. With limited resources, Chris and his daughter Eleanor’s company, Maiden Voyage, was initially set up to support emerging filmmakers. Eleanor was a fan of “The Witch” script and wanted to produce the film. While Chris was initially hesitant, after seeing a cut of the film, he changed his mind and assisted in completing it. This experience marked the beginning of my mentorship with Chris, which has been incredibly beneficial throughout my career.

Exploring the Role of Sensuality and Eroticism in “Nosferatu”: How Did You Approach This Aspect of the Story?

In crafting “Nosferatu,” one of the most significant influences was Jack Clayton’s “The Innocents,” which masterfully leaves sexual elements to the audience’s imagination, creating an intense psychological impact. I’ve observed adaptations of “The Turn of the Screw” that take a more explicit approach to sexuality, but they often fall short. Our intention was to delve into these themes while allowing the audience to fill in the gaps, enhancing the overall experience. A key reason this approach works is that the narrative unfolds entirely through Ellen’s perspective, the female protagonist. This choice enriches the emotional and psychological complexity of the story as it revolves around a somnambulist, a character who is not only caught between realms but also lacks the language to express her understanding of darkness. Her isolation and the strong pull toward this alternate reality create a profound tension, as society perceives her as melancholic and hysterical. The contrast between the vampire’s physical repulsion and the underlying eroticism adds a captivating layer to the narrative.

Ellen’s character grapples with societal expectations of the 19th century, and her struggle against these norms is a powerful thread throughout the film. This context not only adds depth to her character but also allows the story to explore the intersection of eroticism and repulsion in a unique way. The film’s portrayal of the vampire as grotesque provides an intriguing juxtaposition to the sensuality depicted, emphasizing how desire can intertwine with fear, creating a rich tapestry of emotions that resonates throughout the narrative.

What Unique Merchandise Has Emerged from “Nosferatu,” and Were You Involved in the Design Process?

I must clarify that while I have expressed my reservations, I was not involved in the design of the “Nosferatu” merchandise. However, I think it’s fun and interesting to see creative interpretations, such as the coffin-shaped popcorn bucket and the extravagant $20,000 life-sized sarcophagus bed. Although I have jokingly asked for some concepts to be avoided, I appreciate the imaginative spirit behind these items, which add a unique flair to the film’s promotional efforts.

Do You Personally Own Any “Nosferatu” Merchandise, Such as the Sarcophagus Bed?

Unfortunately, I cannot afford one! [Laughs] The price tag is quite steep for such a unique item, and while I find the concept amusing, it remains out of my financial reach.

What Exciting Future Projects Are You Working On?

I have several scripts in various stages of development, with some projects being larger in scope while others are more intimate. The versatility in storytelling appeals to me, allowing for exploration of different themes and narratives. However, I find myself repeatedly drawn to similar motifs and concepts, which are unmistakably a hallmark of my style as Robert Eggers. While I appreciate the desire to branch out, I feel it’s essential to focus on what I know best and continue to refine my craft in those areas.

Do You Envision Yourself Expanding into Different Genres, Such as Modern Comedy?

Honestly, aside from the lack of personal interest, I also question why anyone would want to see me tackle something outside my expertise. While it’s important to challenge oneself creatively, I believe in staying true to my strengths and honing my skills in the areas I know best. There is certainly a desire to stretch my abilities, but I want to do so within a framework that feels authentic to my vision and capabilities.

Is There Any Progress on the Teased Rasputin Miniseries?

Unfortunately, I don’t foresee any opportunities for location shooting in Russia in the near future, which complicates the project. While I remain enthusiastic about exploring that narrative, logistical challenges are currently a significant hurdle.

What Recent Horror Films Have Captured Your Interest This Year?

I recently watched “The Substance” and was thoroughly impressed. Its consistent vision and meticulous execution stood out to me, and as a filmmaker, I cannot help but respect and champion such artistry.