Key Takeaways:
- Werwulf stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson and is described by Eggers as his darkest film yet.
- Set in 13th-century England, the film will mix historical authenticity with horror folklore.
- The project continues Eggers’ streak of auteur-driven, period-set genre filmmaking.
Acclaimed horror auteur Robert Eggers has officially cast Aaron Taylor-Johnson in the lead role of his next project, Werwulf, a dark medieval horror film set in 13th-century England. The film is scheduled for theatrical release in December 2026, continuing Eggers’ recent tradition of launching prestige horror titles during the holiday season.
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Werwulf Promises Brutal Horror in a Medieval Setting
According to Deadline, Eggers has described Werwulf as “the darkest thing I’ve ever written,” indicating a tone even more harrowing than his previous works like The Witch and Nosferatu. The story remains under wraps, but the confirmed 13th-century English setting and supernatural elements strongly suggest a folkloric take on the werewolf mythos.
The project is co-written by Icelandic poet and screenwriter Sjón, Eggers’ frequent collaborator, and will again be backed by Focus Features. The combination of Eggers’ meticulous historical detail and Sjón’s mythological flair is expected to deliver a uniquely haunting vision of lycanthropy.
Taylor-Johnson and Eggers Reunite After Nosferatu
Aaron Taylor-Johnson, last seen in Danny Boyle’s 28 Years Later, is no stranger to the horror genre. He previously appeared in Eggers’ Nosferatu, and Werwulf continues the director’s trend of building a recurring ensemble of actors. Taylor-Johnson’s recent performances suggest he’s well-suited to anchor what’s expected to be a psychologically and physically demanding role.
Lily-Rose Depp is also in talks to join the cast, potentially reuniting with Eggers following her acclaimed turn in Nosferatu as Ellen Hutter. If confirmed, her role could add another emotionally intense layer to the already bleak premise.
A Growing Horror Legacy for Robert Eggers
With a resume that includes The Witch, The Lighthouse, The Northman, and Nosferatu, Robert Eggers has carved a niche in atmospheric, period-rooted horror. His films blend myth, history, and psychological dread into genre-defining experiences. Werwulf aims to bring the same high-art horror sensibility to the often-overlooked werewolf subgenre.
Additionally, Eggers is juggling several major projects, including a horror adaptation of A Christmas Carol for Warner Bros. and a sequel to Labyrinth for TriStar Pictures—both co-written with Sjón. Yet, Eggers confirmed that Werwulf will be his next film to enter production.
Conclusion: What to Expect from Werwulf
Robert Eggers’ Werwulf is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated horror films of 2026. With Aaron Taylor-Johnson officially cast, the return of trusted collaborators, and Eggers’ signature dark tone, the film is poised to redefine the werewolf genre for modern audience
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