'The Darkest Thing I've Ever Written': Eggers’ 'Werewulf' Sparks Fan Theories and Uneasy Anticipation
Even crew members needed comfort after reading the script.
Production on Robert Eggers’ next feature, Werewulf, is set to begin this September at Elstree Studios in England, with a release tentatively scheduled for Christmas 2026. Details remain tightly under wraps — no cast has been officially confirmed, though Willem Dafoe is rumoured to be involved. What we do know is that Eggers himself described the project, during a recent Q&A at Lincoln Center, as "the darkest thing I’ve ever written." Coming from the director of The Witch and The Lighthouse, that’s not a statement to take lightly.
Co-written with Icelandic poet and screenwriter Sjón, Werewulf is said to be set in 13th-century England, with dialogue faithful to the time period — complete with Old English flourishes and historical annotations for the less linguistically inclined. Eggers had initially planned to shoot the film in black and white, though that idea has since been abandoned. Still, given his obsession with folklore and medieval superstition, many are expecting something more atmospheric than outright gory.
As Reddit user RoundInfluence998 put it, "I think we’re more likely to see something ripped from the pages of historical folklore than simply 'more villains = more violence = darker nightmare.'"
Others, however, are bracing for emotional carnage. "The folklore/stories about werewolves involve A LOT of infanticide," noted PabloAlex97, drawing parallels to a disturbing scene in Nosferatu.
Meanwhile, ZardozC137 speculated that the true horror may be more psychological: "It’s probably going to be about losing control... doing something bad you’re aware is bad, but can’t find the strength or will to make a change." These kinds of fan theories are gaining traction online — and they’re only fuelling the sense of unease.
For those tempted to dismiss the speculation, here’s a thought: someone from Eggers’ own sound team posted on BlueSky that they "needed a hug" after reading the script. A joke, perhaps — but perhaps not. With no trailer, no official synopsis, and no comforting fairy-tale ending in sight, one thing’s clear: Werewulf is already casting a long, dark shadow.
