Robert Eggers is returning to theaters with another haunting period horror film. The acclaimed filmmaker behind The Witch, The Lighthouse, The Northman, and Nosferatu has unveiled the first trailer for Werwulf, a Gothic tale set in 13th-century England. Starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson, the film explores the terrifying legend of lycanthropy through Eggers’ signature atmospheric style. Werwulf is set to arrive exclusively in theaters on Christmas Day.
Credit: Rory Mulvey / © 2026 FOCUS FEATURES LLC
Robert Eggers Werwulf Trailer
The first trailer offers an unsettling glimpse at the horrors awaiting audiences. Aaron Taylor-Johnson appears to undergo a gruesome transformation, writhing in pain and showing signs of becoming a fearsome werewolf. Rather than revealing the creature outright, the footage relies on eerie visuals, dense fog, unsettling body horror, and medieval imagery to build suspense. Watch the trailer below!
Cast & Plot
Taylor-Johnson leads the cast alongside Lily-Rose Depp, Willem Dafoe, and Ralph Ineson, several of whom previously collaborated with Eggers on Nosferatu. The screenplay was co-written by Eggers and Icelandic poet Sjón, who also worked with the director on The Northman.
The story is set in a remote 13th-century village haunted by a mysterious beast. While plot details remain limited, the official synopsis describes Werwulf as a tale of devotion, damnation, and the darkness that lurks within humanity. Longtime Eggers collaborator Jarin Blaschke returns as cinematographer, continuing the filmmaker’s visually striking Gothic aesthetic.
Release Date
Werwulf will be released exclusively in theaters on December 25, 2026. With its eerie medieval setting, acclaimed creative team, and unsettling first trailer, Robert Eggers looks poised to deliver another unforgettable horror experience for fans of atmospheric Gothic cinema.
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