Willem Dafoe Joins Robert Eggers’ Dark Werewolf Tale ‘Werwulf’ Coming Christmas 2026

Willem Dafoe is close to teaming up again with director Robert Eggers for his next film, Werwulf, according to reports. The Oscar-nominated actor is in talks to star alongside Aaron Taylor-Johnson, with Lily-Rose Depp also likely to join the cast. The movie is set to be released by Focus Features on Christmas Day 2026.

The film’s story is still mostly a secret, but from the title, it seems to be about werewolves and will be set in 13th-century England. Sources say it will have dark themes, including witchcraft, and may be one of Eggers’ bloodiest movies yet.

The film is expected to use Old English dialogue to fit the historical setting. Aaron Taylor-Johnson is said to play the werewolf himself, while Lily-Rose Depp will likely portray his wife.

Eggers is directing and co-wrote the script with Sjón, who also co-wrote The Northman with him. Both are producing the film, alongside Focus Features, Working Title’s Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner, and Maiden Voyage’s Chris and Eleanor Columbus. Filming is planned to begin this September.

Willem Dafoe has worked with Eggers on three previous films: The Lighthouse, The Northman, and Nosferatu. The two are also looking to collaborate again on a new take on A Christmas Carol at Warner Bros., where Dafoe is in early talks to star.

Dafoe was most recently seen in the A24 movie The Legend of Ochi and is currently filming Tenzing for Apple Original Films. Fans can also look forward to seeing him in The Man in the Basement and The Birthday Party. Dafoe is represented by WME and Circle Management + Production.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Lily-Rose Depp are reuniting with Eggers after working together on Nosferatu. Taylor-Johnson has starred in films like Kick-Ass, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Bullet Train, and Nocturnal Animals. Depp is known for her roles in The Idol, The King, and Voyagers.

Robert Eggers first gained attention with The Witch, a horror movie that helped launch Anya Taylor-Joy’s career. Since then, he has made a name for himself with films set in eerie historical times, such as The Lighthouse, The Northman, and Nosferatu.

Eggers is also working on a sequel to the 1986 fantasy film Labyrinth and the new A Christmas Carol project mentioned earlier.

This was first reported by Deadline.

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