First Look at Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Monster in Robert Eggers’ ‘Werewulf’

Aaron Taylor-Johnson is shifting from his Marvel villain role in Kraven the Hunter to a far darker character in Robert Eggers’ new horror project. He stars opposite Lily-Rose Depp in Werwulf, an original take on the werewolf legend set in 13th-century England.

Recent photos from the set show Taylor-Johnson fully transformed into the creature. His appearance suggests a scene following violent action, though details about the story remain mostly secret. What is known is that Werwulf reimagines traditional folklore and features several of Eggers’ past collaborators, including Depp, Willem Dafoe, and Ralph Ineson, all in undisclosed roles.

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The project follows a rocky year for werewolf films. Universal Pictures struggled to win over audiences with its new Wolf Man movie directed by Leigh Whannell, best known for The Invisible Man. That film found modest interest on streaming but made little impact in theaters. Fans of traditional werewolf stories may be more drawn to Eggers’ upcoming version, which leans into old myths rather than modern reinterpretations.

Eggers has described Werwulf as “the darkest thing I’ve ever written by far.” The film will feature dialogue written in authentic Middle English to match its medieval setting. Eggers often explores historical periods in his films, such as The Lighthouse and Nosferatu. Based on early footage and the concept alone, this may be his most ambitious project to date.

Werwulf is scheduled to release in theaters on December 25, 2026. Focus Features will handle distribution, following its partnership with Eggers on Nosferatu last year. The director plans to continue broadening his studio work, with upcoming projects including a sequel to Labyrinth and a new version of A Christmas Carol at Warner Bros., with Willem Dafoe reportedly in discussions to play the lead.

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