Werwulf

Werwulf is an upcoming period gothic horror film directed by Robert Eggers, who co-wrote the script with Sjón. The film stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Lily-Rose Depp, Willem Dafoe, and Ralph Ineson.

Werwulf is scheduled to be released in the United States by Focus Features on December 25, 2026.

In 13th-century England, a mysterious creature stalks a foggy countryside as local folklore becomes a terrifying reality for the villagers.^[1]

• Aaron Taylor-Johnson
• Lily-Rose Depp
• Willem Dafoe
• Ralph Ineson
• Jack Morris
• Jan Bijvoet
• Ritchi Edwards
• Bodhi Rae Breathnach

In January 2025, it was announced that a horror film written and directed by Robert Eggers titled Werwulf was in development with Focus Features attached to produce and finance the film, which was co-written by Sjón, who had previously worked with Eggers in The Northman (2022). The film would be set in 13th-century England, and would feature Middle English.^[2] Eggers went on to say that Werwulf was the darkest script he had ever written.^[3]

In July 2025, Aaron Taylor-Johnson joined the cast as the title character, with Lily-Rose Depp, Willem Dafoe, and Ralph Ineson in talks to join. Working Title Films, along with its producers Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner, would also join the project.^[4][5][6] Later, amidst shooting, Jan Bijvoet, Jack Morris and Ritchi Edwards were revealed to have been quietly cast.^{[7][8][9][10]} In January 2026, Bodhi Rae Breathnach joined the cast.^[11]

In July 2025, a casting call announced that shooting for Werwulf would begin in Elstree in September.^[12] In September 2025, Taylor-Johnson told Esquire that production would officially start on September 8.^[13] On October 22, 2025, Screen Daily reported that principal photography was underway at Sky Studios Elstree, England.^[14] Filming occurred on a makeshift village set at Bourne Wood in Surrey from November 11 to 17.^[15] Jarin Blaschke serves as the cinematographer, after previously working with Eggers on his previous films.^[16][17]

Dafoe said that filming would also occur in Wales.^[18] In November 2025, it was confirmed that production would move to the Crychan Forest and North Crychan Forest Quarry on the border of the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains, between November 24 and concluding on December 19. Filming began on December 8 and ended on December 18.^[19]

Filming was expected near Sharp Tor on Dartmoor in December 2025, but began a month early on November 20 with Taylor-Johnson on set. A small set was constructed between Widecombe and Postbridge. The site was used to capture only a minute of footage.^[20][21][22]

Production took place at the Puzzlewood forest and near the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire in late November and early December.^[23]

Filming wrapped on January 23, 2026 after an 82-day shoot.^[24]

Werwulf is scheduled to be released in the United States by Focus Features on December 25, 2026.^[2]

• Werwulf at IMDb