Robert Eggers is set to continue building his name as a modern master of atmospheric, unsettling, and often period cinema, with his next film with Focus Features – Werwulf. With a Christmas Day 2026 theatrical release date on the calendar, the film is gearing up to enter production, as is evident by two casting confirmations that have come via Deadline today. The film is set to reunite the director with Nosferatu supporting actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson in a starring role, with Lily-Rose Depp also in talks to join.

A ‘Nosferatu’ Reunion for ‘Werwulf’

Following an impressive string of successes beginning with The Witch, Eggers has won over horror and period audiences with The Lighthouse, The Northman, and most recently the 2024 remake of the 1922 classic Nosferatu. Next, Eggers is tackling another period piece with Werwulf, which he described as “a medieval werewolf movie” earlier this year, continuing on to say it’s “also the darkest thing [he’s] ever written.”

The reunion with Taylor-Johnson piques additional interest in both the film and Taylor-Johnson’s career, who continues to take on increasingly complex roles, such as his most recent turn in 28 Years Later. After Nosferatu, it’s clear that Eggers sees something compelling in Taylor-Johnson, and apparently in Depp as well, if her casting is confirmed in the future.

Could ‘Werwulf’ Knock Taylor-Johnson Out of the Bond Running?

As Werwulf progresses, it could create complications for Taylor-Johnson’s long-rumored and favored casting as the next James Bond. Taylor-Johnson has been a fan favorite for the role, with many believing he’s a strong candidate to take over the 007 mantle. However, with Werwulf set to be a major production for Eggers and an unclear production schedule for the Bond revival it’s possible the scheduling for both films could overlap.

The potential isn’t necessarily completely gone, however. With Denis Villeneuve confirmed to direct the upcoming Bond film, production on the action film is delayed until after production has wrapped on Dune: Part Three, which also has a late 2026 release date of December 18. For now, it remains to be seen if reuniting with Eggers will tarnish the hopes of Taylor-Johnson stepping into the iconic – and demanding – tuxedo of 007.

As Eggers’ Werwulf comes into sharper focus, the cast and their involvement will only intensify the anticipation surrounding the film. With Taylor-Johnson’s return to Eggers’ direction and Depp’s potential addition, Werwulf is shaping up to be a standout project for the director once again. For now, fans are left in a waiting game, eager for more details that will shape this already thrilling project.