Before Dracula, there was Nosferatu, the original movie vampire. First appearing on screen in 1922, the iconic movie monster is getting new life from acclaimed director Robert Egger and featuring an all-star cast that has it as one of the more anticipated new movies of 2024.
The original Nosferatu was actually a workaround for filmmaker F.W. Murnau, as he was not able to secure the rights to adapt Bram Stoker's Dracula, instead creating an unauthorized adaptation. But the original remains one of the most heralded silent-era movies from a master filmmaker. That's a tall order to live up to with the new Nosferatu, but the movie does have the pedigree where it is within the realm of possibility.
As movie fans eagerly await its arrival, here is everything we know now about the 2024 remake of Nosferatu.
Nosferatu release date
Nosferatu has been set for a US release date of December 25. That makes Nosferatu a holiday movie in 2024, though oddly Christmas rather than Halloween. It is set to premiere on January 3, 2025, in the UK.
Fun fact, this is not the first remake of Nosferatu, as Werner Herzog made his own adaptation, Nosferatu the Vampyre, in 1979.
Nosferatu cast
The Nosferatu cast features a great ensemble ready to bring this horror story some new life.
Headlining things is Bill Skarsgård, who is set to play Count Orlok, aka Nosferatu. Skarsgård is no stranger to playing monsters, having famously portrayed the evil clown in the 2017 and 2018 adaptations of IT. Movie fans will also recognize him from John Wick: Chapter 4, Barbarian and Eternals.
Nicholas Hoult (The Menu) as Thomas Hutter is tapped to serve as the main protagonist of the story, with Lily-Rose Depp (The Idol) starring as his wife, Ellen Hutter. Others in the cast include Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Kraven the Hunter), Emma Corrin (A Murder at the End of the World), Ralph Ineson (The Creator), Simon McBurney (Hijack) and Willem Dafoe (Poor Things).
This is actually the second time that Dafoe has been in a project related to Nosferatu. He received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor for the 2000 movie Shadow of a Vampire, a fictionalized version of the making of Nosferatu where the actor playing the vampire, Max Schreck (Dafoe), is an actual vampire.
Nosferatu plot
Again, the original Nosferatu was an unauthorized adaptation of Bram Stoker's Dracula, so while it is not the same story, it follows many of the similar story beats of the famous novel. However, here is the synopsis for the new Nosferatu courtesy of Focus Features:
"Robert Eggers' Nosferatu is a gothic tale of obsession between a haunted young woman and the terrifying vampire infatuated with her, causing untold horror in its wake."
Nosferatu trailer
The first official trailer for Nosferatu is here. Watch it directly below:
You can also watch the previously released teaser trailer right here:
You can also watch this behind-the-scenes feature that has Eggers explains how he made the movie:
Nosferatu reviews
What to Watch will have its Nosferatu review a little closer to its release, but the first reactions to the movie have been shared. As of December 3, Nosferatu is 93% "Fresh" on Rotten Tomatoes.
Nosferatu awards
Check out the major awards and nominations that Nosferatu has earned so far:
Critics Choice Awards
- Best Cinematography (nominee)
- Best Production Design (nominee)
- Best Costume Design (nominee)
- Best Hair and Makeup (nominee)
National Board of Review
- Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography (winner)
Robert Eggers movies
Though he only has three feature directing credits to his name, Robert Eggers has established himself as a great young director, particularly in the horror/psychological thriller vein that Nosferatu will likely fall under. But if you're wondering what movies he has directed in the past, here is his complete filmography:
- The Witch (2015)
- The Lighthouse (2019)
- The Northman (2022)
How to watch 1922 Nosferatu
You can watch the original 1922 Nosferatu for free right now, as it is available to stream on Tubi, Pluto TV and The Roku Channel in the US. UK viewers can find the movie on BFI Player.
If you're also interested in watching Werner Herzog's1979 adaptation, Nosferatu the Vampyre, that is available to stream on Peacock; YouTube and Tubi for free; and Mubi and BFI Player in the UK.
