Aaron Taylor-Johnson is set to reunite with acclaimed director Robert Eggers in the upcoming horror film Werwulf, Variety has confirmed. The English actor, fresh from his intense turn in 28 Years Later, will lead Eggers’ 13th-century werewolf saga alongside Lily-Rose Depp, who is in talks to co-star. Production is slated to begin later this year, with a Christmas Day 2026 release planned by Focus Features. This marks yet another bold venture for Taylor-Johnson, whose career continues to evolve across genres and continents.
A New Chapter for a Versatile Star
Aaron Taylor-Johnson first gained widespread attention as the titular hero in Kick-Ass, then solidified his status as a dramatic talent by winning a Golden Globe for Nocturnal Animals (2016). Since then, he has navigated high-octane franchises and artful thrillers alike. His performance in Christopher Nolan’s Tenet and the globe-spanning action of Bullet Train demonstrated both range and box office appeal. According to Box Office Mojo, 28 Years Later grossed $138.8 million worldwide against its $60 million budget, underlining Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s growing draw at the box office.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s upcoming slate already includes 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, scheduled for January 2026. Now, with Werwulf, he takes on a mythic creature in a period piece that promises authentic Old English dialogue. This project reunites him with Eggers, with whom he worked on the gothic horror remake Nosferatu. That film surprised many by earning over $181 million globally, nearly doubling its pre-release expectations.
Inside Eggers’ Vision for ‘Werwulf’
Robert Eggers has become synonymous with atmospheric horror grounded in historical detail. His debut The Witch and subsequent films The Lighthouse and The Northman earned praise for immersive period settings and rigorous research. Eggers co-wrote Werwulf with his frequent collaborator Sjón, the Icelandic poet behind The Northman screenplay. Variety reports that the new film will explore folklore and witchcraft within 13th-century England, blending supernatural terror with realistic period elements.
Eggers plans to shoot on location, leveraging medieval architecture and natural landscapes to heighten authenticity. The script reportedly calls for translations and annotations to help modern audiences navigate the Old English dialogue. Focus Features, which distributed Nosferatu, will finance and release Werwulf. Executive producers Chris and Eleanor Columbus will lend their support alongside Eggers and Sjón, ensuring production scales to the director’s precise standards.
Lily-Rose Depp in Talks and Ensemble Potential
Lily-Rose Depp, who starred as Ellen Hutter in Nosferatu, is in advanced discussions to join Aaron Taylor-Johnson in Werwulf. Sources tell Variety that she would play the werewolf’s wife, establishing an emotional core amid the horror. Depp’s previous work with Eggers showcased her ability to convey vulnerability and strength in equal measure. Their reunion hints at a deepening creative synergy within Eggers’ ensemble of recurring collaborators.
While full casting remains under wraps, industry insiders expect additional talent to round out the medieval village and court. Eggers’ past films have featured strong supporting performances from actors such as Willem Dafoe and Anya Taylor-Joy. Observers anticipate Werwulf will follow suit, delivering a blend of marquee names and rising stars to complement its leads.
Impact on Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s Career Trajectory
Taking the lead in Werwulf aligns with Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s pattern of embracing challenging roles. His portrayal of a survivalist father in 28 Years Later earned praise for emotional depth, while his turn as Kraven the Hunter delivered raw physicality despite mixed box office results. According to streaming analytics, Kraven the Hunter found new life on Netflix, ranking number two in the U.S. Top 10 list during its debut week. This streaming success underscores Taylor-Johnson’s enduring appeal across platforms.
Moreover, the film’s period horror pedigree enhances his resume beyond action and franchise work. As studios seek distinct offerings in an overcrowded market, Werwulf could bolster Taylor-Johnson’s reputation as an actor unafraid to explore genre boundaries. Industry experts note that horror films often yield high returns relative to budgets. Nosferatu’s $40 million opening and $181 million global haul exemplify this potential.
Audience Anticipation and Market Outlook
In an era of franchise fatigue, Werwulf arrives as a fresh entry with historical depth and folklore intrigue. Horror remains one of the most streamed genres, accounting for over 40 percent of platform viewing hours, according to a recent Nielsen report. This trend suggests strong audience appetite for new fright franchises that can spin off into series or companion projects.
Focus Features’ decision to release Werwulf on Christmas Day 2026 positions it for both awards season visibility and holiday box office. The date echoes Eggers’ success with Nosferatu, which also opened on Christmas and exceeded projections. If Werwulf mirrors that path, it could become a major milestone for both Eggers and Aaron Taylor-Johnson.
Conclusion
Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s casting in Robert Eggers’ Werwulf marks a daring step into medieval horror. Reuniting with Eggers and joining Lily-Rose Depp, he tackles werewolf mythology with authenticity and gravitas. With filming set to begin later this year, audiences can expect a richly textured epic that fuses historical detail and supernatural terror. For Taylor-Johnson, this role deepens a diverse portfolio that spans blockbuster action, psychological thrillers, and now folklore-driven horror. As production gears up, industry watchers and fans alike will track every update on this highly anticipated collaboration.
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