Aaron Taylor Johnson unleashes terrifying transformation in first ‘Werwulf’ trailer

The medieval horror film reunites several ‘Nosferatu’ collaborators before its Christmas Day cinema release worldwide

Universal has unveiled the first trailer for Werwulf, the latest gothic horror film from acclaimed filmmaker Robert Eggers, offering audiences an unsettling first look at Aaron Taylor Johnson's transformation into a fearsome werewolf. Scheduled for release in cinemas on December 25, the film marks another collaboration between Eggers and several members of the creative team behind the critically acclaimed Nosferatu.

Set in 13th century England, Werwulf follows a remote rural community as terrifying folklore appears to become reality. According to the official synopsis, a mysterious creature stalks the fog covered countryside, leaving frightened villagers to confront an ancient evil that has emerged from local legend. The trailer establishes an ominous atmosphere filled with bleak landscapes, medieval settlements and growing panic as the deadly beast begins its hunt.

Aaron Taylor Johnson stars in the title role, portraying the man whose horrifying transformation lies at the centre of the story. The footage hints at a gradual and disturbing physical change, while also suggesting the emotional conflict experienced by his character as the terrifying curse takes hold.

The project reunites Taylor Johnson with director Robert Eggers following their work together on Nosferatu. Lily Rose Depp also returns after starring in the vampire thriller, while Willem Dafoe and Ralph Ineson once again join the filmmaker in another atmospheric period horror. The supporting cast also includes Jack Morris, Jan Bijvoet, Ritchi Edwards and Bodhi Rae Breathnach.

Eggers co wrote the screenplay with Icelandic novelist and poet Sjón, continuing a creative partnership that previously produced The Northman in 2022. The pair also serve as producers alongside Focus Features, while Chris Columbus and Eleanor Columbus executive produce through Maiden Voyage.

Werwulf continues Eggers' longstanding relationship with Focus Features, the studio behind each of his feature films. His previous release, Nosferatu, premiered on Christmas Day in 2024 and became both a critical and commercial success. The gothic vampire drama earned more than $181m worldwide after opening strongly during the holiday period. Lily Rose Depp starred as Ellen Hutter, a young woman haunted by Count Orlok, played by Bill Skarsgård, while Taylor Johnson portrayed Friedrich Harding, a sceptical friend who refuses to believe vampires exist until confronted with the supernatural.

Eggers has built a reputation for distinctive historical horror through films including The Witch, The Lighthouse and The Northman. His work is recognised for meticulous historical detail, atmospheric cinematography and psychologically complex storytelling, qualities that appear to continue in Werwulf.

The newly released trailer offers only brief glimpses of the creature itself, instead focusing on suspense, eerie imagery and the growing terror among villagers as they realise the threat surrounding them is very real. The restrained approach reflects Eggers' preference for building tension through atmosphere rather than relying solely on visual spectacle.

With an accomplished cast, an experienced creative team and another richly detailed historical setting, Werwulf is already generating anticipation among horror fans. The film arrives in cinemas on December 25, adding another dark period thriller to Robert Eggers' expanding body of acclaimed work.