Willem Dafoe in talks to collaborate with Robbert Eggers again on Werwulf

Willem Dafoe is expected to be the latest addition to the cast of Werwulf, an upcoming film directed by Robert Eggers (per Deadline). He is in talks to join Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Lily-Rose Depp on this project.

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The project can mark Dafoe's latest collaboration with Eggers. He has been working with the gothic horror director since his 2019 feature film, The Lighthouse, also starring Robert Pattinson. After that, Dafoe starred in Eggers' following projects, which include 2022's The Northman and 2024's Nosferatu.

Apart from Werwulf, Eggers is expected to start working on an adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic Christmas ghost story, A Christmas Carol. The project is reportedly in early stages of development at Warner Bros and is also expected to star Dafoe, who has almost become Eggers' muse in recent years.

What else do we know about Werwulf, directed by Robert Eggers?

"Nosferatu" BAFTA Screening - Source: Getty

Over the last decade, Robert Eggers has solidified his place as one of the most formidable artistic voices in the horror cinema landscape, launching his feature directorial career with 2015's The Witch, starring Anya Taylor-Joy in the lead role. He continued working on folktales and bringing them to life through his brooding and atmospheric films.

With Werwulf, Eggers is expected to bring a terrifying, mythical monster to the screen, in association with Focus Features. Eggers previously collaborated with the studio on Nosferatu (2024), a highly lucrative project.

The Lily-Rose Depp and Bill Skarsgård starrer reportedly earned over $181 million worldwide against its production budget of $50 million. Hence, Werwulf might be another successful chapter in their continuing creative collaboration.

The latest announcement of Willem Dafoe's casting might pique the interest of the Eggers fans who have been following his work for over a decade. If confirmed, Dafoe will be reuniting with Lily-Rose Depp and Aaron Taylor-Johnson, both of whom starred in Eggers' previous film. That's not the only exciting collaboration in the new movie.

For the Werwulf script, Eggers is working with the Icelandic poet, novelist, and screenwriter Sjón, who previously co-wrote the script for The Northman. Sources suggest that Focus Features is producing and financing this film, with Eggers and Sjón joining hands in the producing duties. Eleanor and Chris Columbus from Maiden Voyage will reportedly be executive producers.

The film is eyeing a Christmas Day release in 2026, across North America. Hopefully, we'll learn more details about this Eggers film soon.

What else is Willem Dafoe working on?

Willem Dafoe Reads Gabriele Tinti Poems In Milan - Source: Getty

Willem Dafoe recently appeared on screen through Wes Anderson's star-studded Cannes release, The Phoenician Scheme, and an A24 teen fantasy drama, The Legend of Ochi.

Dafoe has a few projects on his roster this year, which include Nadia Latif's feature directorial debut. It's a horror-thriller film titled The Man In My Basement, which is reportedly scheduled for a fall release on Hulu.

He will also star in Miguel Ángel Jiménez's upcoming drama film, A Birthday Party, along with Vic Carmen Sonne, Joe Cole, and more. Besides that, he will be seen in a Tenzing Norgay biopic titled Tenzing, directed by Jennifer Peedom, starring Genden Phuntsok, Tom Hiddleston, and Caitríona Balfe.