Robert Eggers has expressed his joy in creating his latest film Nosferatu, calling it a lifelong dream.
As the writer and director of the project, which stars Lily-Rose Depp and Bill Skarsgard, Eggers aims to reintroduce the iconic vampire to a new audience.
“I’ve been fascinated by Nosferatu: A Symphony Of Horror since I was nine years old,” he shared with Sky News, noting that the film “pioneered horror movies”.
“While revisiting certain elements is inevitable, my hope is to present them in a fresh and unexpected manner.”
He further explained: “Even iconic figures like the girls from The Shining and the shadow of Freddy Kruger draw inspiration from Nosferatu.”
Originally conceived to avoid violating Bram Stoker’s Dracula copyright, the Transylvanian vampire made its cinematic debut in 1922 in Nosferatu: A Symphony Of Horror.
Lily-Rose Depp as Ellen Hutter. Pic: Aidan Monaghan
The vampire’s name was changed to Count Orlok to avoid copyright issues with Stoker’s work, although the character and storyline bore similarities to the Irish author’s creation, with a few alterations to the vampire’s characteristics.
In the film by F W Murnau, Nosferatu’s biting habits differed from Dracula’s, most notably introducing the idea that vampires perish in sunlight.
Stoker’s estate, under his widow Florence Balcombe’s direction, sued the silent film, resulting in a court order in Germany in July 1925 for the destruction of all copies of Nosferatu: A Symphony Of Horror due to copyright infringement.
Willem Dafoe stars as Professor Albin Eberhart von Franz. Pic: Aidan Monaghan
Fortunately, some copies survived, serving as a reference and inspiration for numerous thrillers and horror films that followed.
Eggers, a devoted fan of the genre, revealed that the vampire figure inspired him to pursue a career in filmmaking, aiming to incorporate both Count Orlok and Dracula’s traits into his version of the narrative.
“It took years for the film to receive approval, facing numerous setbacks, but I’m grateful because it allowed me to grow as a filmmaker and storyteller, collaborating better with my creative team and cast,” he remarked.
(L-R) Nicholas Hoult as Thomas Hutter and Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Friedrich Harding. Pic: Aidan Monaghan
“One of the main distinctions between this adaptation and others is its focus on Ellen, played by Lily-Rose Depp – it’s essentially her story,” Eggers pointed out.
He elaborated: “Regarding the vampire, a unique aspect of this film is the portrayal of a Dracula-like character resembling a Transylvanian nobleman, visually reminiscent of a deceased Transylvanian nobleman. This aesthetic is rooted in folklore and history.”
The 2025 movie stars Depp as Ellen, who becomes ensnared by Skarsgard’s Count Orlok, alongside performances by Hoult, Taylor-Johnson, Corrin, and Dafoe.
The latest version of Nosferatu focuses more on the female lead. Pic: Aidan Monaghan
Known for his portrayal of unique characters, Dafoe returns to the Nosferatu realm, having previously depicted the vampire in the 2000 film Shadow Of The Vampire, expressing his fascination with the genre.
“Movies have the power to explore different worlds, sensations, and ideas. I welcome it,” the actor stated.
“I’m drawn to these larger-than-life characters with strong impulses, often with extreme appearances. That’s what I gravitate towards.”
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Meanwhile, Skarsgard, known for his role as Pennywise in the 2017 horror film IT, admitted it took time to shake off the eerie aura of Nosferatu.
“It was a surreal experience,” he reflected.
“Without romanticizing the eccentricity of our profession, I felt the need to tap into something beyond me. As a line in the movie suggests: ‘Does darkness originate from within or without?’ I believe some of it stemmed from our art.”
Nosferatu is now showing in theaters.