Nosferatu: Cast, Plot, Release Date, Latest News and More

Are you ready for a new version of the vampire classic Nosferatu? The iconic movie from 1922 is making a comeback, but this time it’s been reimagined by Robert Eggers, the director behind The Witch and The Lighthouse.

Eggers is known for his unique, eerie filmmaking style, and now he’s putting his spin on one of the most famous and influential horror films ever made. If you think this is just another vampire flick, think again. Eggers is turning this classic story into something that’s dark, visually stunning, and even more unsettling.

And with a cast that includes Bill Skarsgård (you know, the actor who terrified us as Pennywise in It) and Lily-Rose Depp, it’s definitely one of the most anticipated films of 2024.

The movie is set to bring a fresh, modern twist to a classic tale, while still honoring the visual style of the 1922 film, which is known for its dark, shadowy look and eerie atmosphere.

What is the Plot of the Upcoming Nosferatu?

If you’re familiar with the 1922 Nosferatu, you already know the basics. A young woman named Ellen Hutter becomes the target of a terrifying vampire, Count Orlok. It’s a simple premise, but what makes Nosferatu special is its atmosphere.

The original film was part of the German Expressionist movement, which focused on using visuals to create a mood rather than relying on dialogue or special effects. It’s a style that’s all about shadows, strange angles, and a sense of unease that sticks with you long after the movie ends.

In this new version, Eggers is taking that same style but giving it his own twist. The story still follows Ellen (played by Lily-Rose Depp), who’s living an ordinary life when she becomes the object of Count Orlok’s dark obsession. Orlok, the ancient vampire, is coming for her, and he will stop at nothing to feed.

However, the film won’t just focus on the typical vampire story we’ve seen a million times. It’s about the feeling of being trapped, of knowing something is horribly wrong, but being powerless to stop it.

What Does Nosferatu Mean?

The word Nosferatu is often linked to the idea of a vampire, but its exact meaning and origins are a bit mysterious. The true etymology of the word Nosferatu is still unclear, but it is believed to have entered Western culture largely due to the work of 19th-century British author Emily Gerard.

In her 1885 article Transylvanian Superstitions (via Scribd) and later in her travel book The Land Beyond the Forest, Gerard mentioned Nosferatu as the Romanian term for a vampire.

The Cast of Nosferatu

What’s a horror movie without an amazing cast? Fortunately, Nosferatu has that covered with some seriously talented actors. Let’s start with the one and only Bill Skarsgård, who’s taking on the role of Count Orlok.

Skarsgård became a household name for his creepy role as Pennywise in It, and now he’s bringing that same creepy vibe to one of the most iconic vampire roles ever as Count Orlok. He reportedly earned $1 million for the part (via Showbiz Galore).

Lily-Rose Depp, who plays Ellen Hutter, is another one to watch. Ellen’s stuck between love and terror, and Depp is going to totally nail the desperation and fear of her character. She reportedly earned $400,000 for the role.

Nicholas Hoult, who plays Thomas Hutter (Ellen’s love interest), is another huge name in the cast.. He’s caught between his love for Ellen and the creepy Count Orlok, and he’s reportedly getting $2 million for his role. And that’s just the start—this cast is stacked!

Willem Dafoe, who worked with Eggers on The Lighthouse, takes on the role of Professor Albin Eberhart Von Franz, a vampire hunter with a sharp mind and a vendetta against the undead (his salary has not been disclosed yet).

Other notable cast members include Aaron Taylor-Johnson ($600,000) as Friedrich Harding, Emma Corrin as Anna Harding ($200,000), and Simon McBurney as Herr Knock ($200,000).

When is Nosferatu Releasing?

You don’t have to wait too long to get your hands on this terrifying film – Nosferatu is set to hit theaters on Christmas Day 2024. But why Christmas? Well, Peter Kujawski, the chairman of Focus Features, stated that the timing is just perfect. He said:

The audacious filmmaking of Robert Eggers is always a gift for fans, and we can promise that his Nosferatu is planning quite the Christmas feast.

With its dark, unsettling vibe, Nosferatu is a perfect counter-programming option to the usual feel-good holiday movies that dominate the season.

How Did the Previous Nosferatu Perform?

The original Nosferatu (1922), directed by F.W. Murnau, wasn’t a huge box-office hit when it was first released. The film earned just $11,309 worldwide, which seems pretty low. This is understandable, though, given that it was a silent film made on a small budget, and the horror genre wasn’t as mainstream at the time.

The film saw a bit more success when it was re-released in 2009, earning $21,401 worldwide (via Box Office Mojo). By then, Nosferatu had become a cornerstone of the horror genre.

However, the real success of Nosferatu lies in its lasting legacy rather than its box-office earnings. Today, Nosferatu is considered one of the most important films in cinematic history, proving that a film doesn’t have to be a massive commercial success to be monumental.