SPOILER ALERT: This article contains mild spoilers about “Nosferatu,” now playing in theaters.

Robert Eggers’ latest film, “Nosferatu,” released today by Focus Features, is a daring and star-studded reinterpretation of F. W. Murnau’s iconic 1922 silent film. The cast includes Lily-Rose Depp as the beautiful Ellen Hutter and Bill Skarsgård as the eerie vampire Count Orlok, alongside Nicholas Hoult, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Emma Corrin, and Eggers’ frequent collaborators Willem Dafoe and Ralph Ineson. This visually stunning and dark narrative builds upon the historical themes present in Eggers’ earlier works—“The Witch” (2015), “The Lighthouse” (2019), and “The Northman” (2022)—while adding elements of drama, desire, and a palpable erotic tension. In a conversation with Variety, Eggers, known for his humor and humility, discussed his vision for this film, his collaboration with director Chris Columbus, and the viral “Nosferatu” merchandise.

Why did the original film resonate with you from a young age?

My fascination with vampires began early; I had watched the Bela Lugosi film multiple times and often dressed as Dracula for Halloween. However, “Nosferatu” struck me differently. In the newly restored versions, you can see the bald cap on Max Schreck and the makeup on his eyebrows. The VHS I owned as a child was from a degraded 16mm print, obscuring those details, which made Schreck appear as a genuine vampire. The degradation gave it an archival feel, enhancing its haunting atmosphere. I often describe it as “authentic.”

You wrote a novella to prepare for the film. Will it ever be published?

The novella is poorly written since I’m not a novelist. While some of my screenplays are decent, they serve as tools to create the film. The novella was primarily a means to help me write the screenplay, so it’s not worth publishing.

How has your experience shaped your ability to tell this story now compared to earlier in your career?

Over the years, I’ve accumulated knowledge that allows me to translate my imagination onto the screen with greater precision. Although I’ve only directed four films, I had more creative control this time due to the story, intellectual property, and budget, which provided me with significant creative freedom and support from Focus Features. I was fortunate to create the film I envisioned.

What made you confident that Lily-Rose could portray Ellen effectively?

I had seen some of her previous work and was impressed, even though she hadn’t led a film before. After meeting her, I was convinced she could handle the role because she grasped the character’s essence. I told her she needed to audition, and we prepared for it. She performed two challenging scenes with raw intensity, showcasing the same ferocity present in her final performance.

While I can praise Lily all day, during auditions, I look for actors who make bold choices and are willing to take risks. The films I create demand a lot, so I want to see that hunger.

When did you decide that Orlok would have a prominent mustache?

To create a truly frightening vampire, I revisited folklore, which describes early vampires as putrid, undead corpses. This led me to consider what a dead Transylvanian nobleman would look like, complete with a complex Hungarian costume and, of course, a mustache. It’s culturally significant; you’d be hard-pressed to find an adult Transylvanian who can’t grow one. Even Bram Stoker included a mustache for Dracula in his novel.

When did the final image of Orlok and Ellen in an eternal embrace come to you?

Even while figuring out Orlok’s demise, I knew that final shot would be the closing image. It’s a unique take on the “Death and the Maiden” motif, and I think it looks visually striking.

[Laughs] Although, that’s a bit too twisted.

What did you learn about filmmaking during this project?

Working with thousands of rats taught me that it can be quite a smelly situation. Despite their intelligence, they can be quite messy.

Did you discover anything about yourself while making this film?

One of the most rewarding aspects was collaborating with Chris Columbus as the creative producer. Although we have different filmmaking styles, his presence was invaluable. He focused on ensuring that “Nosferatu” was the best Robert Eggers film it could be, providing a counterbalance to my more artistic tendencies. His guidance helped me maintain clarity in storytelling, especially during the preparation phase.

How did this collaboration come about?

While finishing “The Witch,” we faced budget constraints. Chris and his daughter Eleanor’s company, Maiden Voyage, aimed to support emerging filmmakers. Eleanor loved the script for “The Witch,” and although Chris was initially hesitant, he changed his mind after seeing a cut of the film. They helped us complete it, and I’ve considered Chris a mentor ever since.

How did you approach the film’s erotic elements?

A significant influence for this film was Jack Clayton’s “The Innocents,” which leaves much to the imagination regarding sexuality. This approach can be incredibly powerful. We took a risk by bringing these themes to the forefront, but since the story is told through Ellen’s perspective, it allows for deeper emotional and psychological complexity. Her character, a somnambulist, embodies the struggles of a woman trapped in 19th-century society, adding layers of tension between eroticism and repulsion.

What are your thoughts on the “Nosferatu” merchandise that has gained attention online?

I’ve advised against anything that doesn’t resonate well, but I find the merchandise fun.

Do you own a sarcophagus bed?

I wish! Unfortunately, I can’t afford one! [Laughs]

What can you share about your upcoming projects?

I’m currently working on several scripts, some larger and some smaller. I enjoy exploring different scales to tell various stories, although I tend to gravitate towards similar themes and styles in my work.

Could you see yourself directing a broad modern comedy or something outside your usual style?

Honestly, it wouldn’t appeal to me, and I question why anyone would want me to take that on. I believe in honing my skills in areas where I excel, and while stretching oneself is important, I prefer to focus on what I do best.

Is there any update on the Rasputin miniseries that was mentioned earlier?

Unfortunately, I don’t foresee traveling to Russia anytime soon.

Have you had a chance to watch any horror films this year? If so, which ones did you enjoy?

I really enjoyed “The Substance.” It had a consistent and clear vision, executed exceptionally well. As a filmmaker, I admire and support that kind of work.

Director Robert Eggers on the set of “Nosferatu.” Credit: Aidan Monaghan / © 2024 FOCUS FEATURES LLC

Person

Robert Eggers, Lily-Rose Depp, Bill Skarsgård, Nicholas Hoult, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Emma Corrin, Willem Dafoe, Ralph Ineson, Chris Columbus, Jarin Blaschke, Aidan Monaghan

Company Names

Focus Features, Maiden Voyage

Titles

Nosferatu, The Witch, The Lighthouse, The Northman, The Innocents, The Turn of the Screw, The Substance

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