Robert Eggers Says ‘Nosferatu’ Remake Was Nearly a ‘Failure’: We Survived ‘Tough Shooting’

Robert Eggers is thankful he had more experience directing intense ensemble films before sinking his teeth into his long-gestating “Nosferatu” remake.

The writer-director revealed a Empire magazine who is grateful to have directed the Viking epic “The Northman” before tackling “Nosferatu,” which has been in the works since 2016. Eggers’ lifelong goal has been to remake FW Murnau’s 1922 vampire classic; Eggers’ muse Anya Taylor-Joy was officially cast in the project in 2017.

“I’m trying to go beyond what I’m capable of,” Eggers told Empire. “As always, it was a tough shoot. Last night we were shooting a scene on a ship with a lot of rain and waves, and the rain deflector, which tries to get the rain out of the lens, was cracking and fogging up. I’ve spent the last few days just working with Russian sailors on a boat.

She added, “I’m so glad I did ‘The Northman’ first and learned what I learned. When I think of the ‘Nosferatu’ production plan we had the first time around, I’m sure I would have gotten it out of my ass somehow, but it’s hard not to picture it as a failure.

“Nosferatu” also stars Bill Skarsgård, “The Idol” Lily-Rose Depp, Nicholas Hoult, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Eggers’ longtime collaborator Willem Dafoe.

“Willem is ready for anything and he’s going to cut his arm off for the scene,” Eggers said of the “The Lighthouse” actor. “He’s a fucking pleasure to work with – he was in ‘The Northman’, he was in (the upcoming) ‘Nosferatu’, I wish I’ve never made a film without him.”

Focus Features’ official synopsis for “Nosferatu” teases the film as a gothic tale of obsession between a young woman persecuted in 19th century Germany and the ancient Transylvanian vampire who stalks her, bringing unspeakable horror with her.

Writer-director Eggers previously told IndieWire that the film had “fell apart twice” before going into production. One iteration had Harry Styles attached to the role that Hoult is now playing. The COVID-19 pandemic pushed ‘Nosferatu’ back until ‘The Northman’ was completed.

“I tried so hard,” Eggers said of the remake attempt. “And I’m just wondering if Murnau’s ghost is telling me, like, that you should stop.”