In the realm of modern horror, few names command as much immediate respect and curiosity as Robert Eggers. Known for his obsessive attention to historical detail and atmospheric dread, the director is currently deep in production on his next nightmare, Werwulf. Today, the project gained even more momentum as 14-year-old Irish-English actress Bodhi Rae Breathnach has officially joined the cast, as first reported by Deadline.
Breathnach, who has been earning significant buzz for her performance in Hamnet, is the latest addition to a production that is already brimming with heavy hitters. She joins a cast that includes Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Lily-Rose Depp, and Eggers’ frequent collaborators Willem Dafoe and Ralph Ineson. While character details remain shrouded in the director’s signature veil of secrecy, the casting of a young, versatile talent like Breathnach suggests that Werwulf may lean into the coming-of-age horror elements that made Eggers' debut, The Witch, such a cultural phenomenon.
A Growing Pack of Elite Talent
Robert Eggers is a filmmaker who thrives on consistency and chemistry. The inclusion of Willem Dafoe and Ralph Ineson—both of whom have become staples of the Eggers cinematic universe—provides a grounded sense of continuity for fans. However, the addition of Bodhi Rae Breathnach indicates a desire to inject fresh energy into the mix. Given her background and the gritty, period-specific demands of Eggers’ sets, Breathnach is expected to undergo the same rigorous immersion that defined Anya Taylor-Joy’s breakout role years ago.
Filming for Werwulf reportedly began in the United Kingdom late last fall. The production has been a subject of intense speculation within the horror community, particularly given the title's archaic spelling, which hints at a deep dive into Germanic or Old English folklore. If Eggers’ previous work on The Northman or his reimagining of Nosferatu is any indication, we should expect a film that eschews modern werewolf tropes in favor of something far more primal, psychological, and historically authentic.
What Does an Eggers Werewolf Look Like?
While the horror genre has seen its fair share of lycanthropes over the decades, the prospect of a Robert Eggers "werewolf movie" is a different beast entirely. We aren’t likely to see flashy, CGI-heavy transformations or silver bullets. Instead, industry analysts and fans alike are bracing for a film that explores the shifting boundaries between man and animal, perhaps set against a backdrop of religious fervor or societal isolation.
Eggers has a unique ability to make the past feel terrifyingly tangible. By casting Breathnach, a young actress with a reputation for emotional depth, the director may be focusing on the vulnerability and isolation inherent in these ancient myths. The film is being distributed by Focus Features, a studio that has proven it knows how to market Eggers’ specific brand of "elevated horror" to a mainstream audience that hungers for more than just jump scares.
A Holiday Gift for Horror Fans
Mark your calendars for a very dark Christmas. Focus Features has slated Werwulf for a theatrical release on December 25, 2026. While most studios reserve the holiday slot for family-friendly fare or prestige biopics, the decision to drop a folk-horror epic on Christmas Day speaks to the massive confidence the industry has in Eggers’ drawing power. It is a bold move that positions Werwulf as the must-see cinematic event of the winter season.
As production continues in the UK, we expect more crumbs of information to drop regarding the specific era and plot of the film. For now, the addition of Bodhi Rae Breathnach is another reason to keep Werwulf at the top of our most-anticipated lists. Stay tuned to ScreamDesk for more updates on this developing story as we get closer to the full moon.