Willem Dafoe Reveals How His New Horror Movie Could Change The Way Audiences See The Genre

Published Oct 25, 2026, 5:47 PM EDT Jennifer is a TV and Movie News Editor at ScreenRant. She started her journey in entertainment media in 2022 when she first joined Valnet at CBR before coming to ScreenRant. Jennifer loves TV, especially science fiction. She also loves late-night talk shows, due to her insomnia. Alien: Earth is definitely one of her favorite shows, and she jumps on any chance she gets to write about it. Even on her days off, she will claim an Alien Earth article if one is available. Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon are two of her favorite late-night hosts, and Conan O'Brien before he left his show. Her Alien: Earth coverage for ScreenRant is by far the work that she is most proud of so far. She was initially a finance and political editor, but her passion for pop culture convinced her to transition into entertainment journalism. During her off time, she loves to binge-watch cooking shows such as Kitchen Nightmares. Jennifer also loves spending time with her daughter and cherishes every moment of it. Willem Dafoe says his upcoming horror film is going to be a game changer for the genre. Werwulf is an upcoming gothic horror film. Set in 14th-century England, the movie follows a small village whose residents are being terrorized by a mysterious creature. The project features Dafoe, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Lily-Rose Depp, Ralph Ineson, Jack Morris, Ned Dennehy, and Bodhi Rae Breathnach. Dafoe has revealed new details about the highly anticipated horror movie Werwulf. The actor explained how the movie takes a very unconventional approach to one of the genre's most iconic monsters. The project reunites Dafoe with critically acclaimed director Robert Eggers, who has directed several iconic films, such as The Witch, The Lighthouse, and Nosferatu. Werewolves have been a staple in horror movies for quite some time. However, during an interview with JustWatch, Dafoe says he believes that Eggers' take on the classic figure will offer audiences something very different from traditional iterations of the creature. While the actor didn't want to go into spoiler territory, he added that viewers shouldn't let the title fool them because they're about to see a very eye-changing version of the werewolf. Dafoe also spoke about his experience watching the completed cut of Werwulf and explained that it moves away from the familiar storytelling conventions associated with werewolf movies. Rather than following the established formulas of the subject, Eggers has created a story that takes the supernatural icon in an unexpected direction. Dafoe expressed his enthusiasm for the audience to watch the movie, praising its setting and the emotional impact it will have on viewers. The actor further elaborated, describing Werwulf as a disturbing experience. While he avoided revealing specific plot details, Dafoe explained that the film will also tell a very "beautiful" story. He also encouraged audiences to approach it with an open mind and not to expect any traditional tropes or storylines that have been associated with werewolves in the past. It's dark. It's unnerving. It's not a traditional horror. It's a continuation of his work. He gets better and better, I think. I don't want to get into spoiler territory but it's impressive. It's beautiful. Werwulf is really interesting. It doesn't lean into the normal tropes and none of the traditional werewolf stories, so don't let the title throw you. I have to be careful about spoilers, but I'm very excited. I've seen it, and I like it a great deal. I just broke my rule – I'm judging my own work. But, I also want to get people juiced up and excited for this, because I think it's quite a beautiful and powerful film. Dafoe's responses imply that Werwulf could change how audiences view the genre by putting a new spin on the horror icon. Although the actor doesn't reveal exactly how the upcoming movie changes the creature from usual stereotypes, his statements back up Eggers' reputation for taking familiar supernatural concepts and changing the way people see them. Werwulf is far from the first time that Dafoe has collaborated with Eggers. The two first worked together on The Lighthouse in 2019, in which the actor starred as Thomas Wake alongside Robert Pattinson, who portrayed Thomas Howard. Dafoe reunited with Eggers again for The Northman in 2022 and Nosferatu in 2024. Werwulf will be released in theaters on Christmas Day, December 25, 2026.