‘Nosferatu’ Director Robert Eggers Moves to Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’

voice film logo squareArthur S. Poe
ROMEO JULIET
Share:

Robert Eggers has established himself as a filmmaker who immerses audiences in meticulously researched, historically rich worlds, whether it’s a 17th-century New England farm, a solitary lighthouse, or a Norse revenge saga. A defining characteristic of his films is the dialogue, which is deeply rooted in period-accurate language, often becoming a character in its own right. This commitment to linguistic authenticity is set to intersect with one of the most renowned love stories ever told.

According to recent reports, Eggers is transitioning from his upcoming folk horror film ‘Werwulf’ to a fresh adaptation of William Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet.’ He will both direct and produce this project, marking his fourth collaboration with the studio that has supported nearly all his films.

Focus Features has secured the project after reportedly winning a competitive bidding war against A24, Sony, and Warner Bros. Pictures, continuing a partnership that includes ‘Nosferatu,’ ‘The Northman,’ and the forthcoming ‘Werwulf.’ Notably, this adaptation is expected to feature its actors speaking in Olde English instead of Shakespeare’s original verse, aligning with Eggers’ long-standing fascination with period-accurate dialects.

‘Romeo and Juliet,’ penned in the 1590s, narrates the tragic tale of two young lovers from the feuding Capulet and Montague families in Verona, Italy. This nearly 430-year-old play has been adapted for the screen numerous times, most famously in Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 version, which received a Best Picture nomination, and Baz Luhrmann’s contemporary 1996 adaptation featuring Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes. Its influence extends through numerous loose adaptations, from the musical ‘West Side Story’ to the vampire-and-werewolf franchise ‘Underworld.’

No cast members for Eggers’ version have been announced yet, and details remain limited beyond the project’s linguistic approach. However, the decision to shift from Shakespeare’s original Early Modern English to Olde English dialogue has already ignited discussions online, with some fans noting that the play was never actually written in Old English, as Shakespeare’s original text is firmly in early modern English.

This kind of pushback aligns with the reactions Eggers often elicits when he embraces unconventional linguistic choices, as seen with ‘Werwulf,’ which is entirely in Middle English and set in 14th-century England. Whether fans engage in semantic debates or simply enjoy the novelty, Eggers’ willingness to spark conversation has become a hallmark of his filmmaking.

This new project keeps Eggers firmly within the Focus Features family, a studio relationship that has proven to be one of the most fruitful director-distributor partnerships today. His latest film with the studio, ‘Nosferatu,’ grossed nearly $182 million worldwide against a $50 million budget and garnered four Oscar nominations, marking Eggers’ highest-grossing film to date. Focus is reportedly hoping that ‘Werwulf,’ set to hit theaters on Christmas Day, can achieve similar success before Eggers transitions to reimagining the Bard.

The Hollywood Reporter first broke the news of the acquisition, and Focus Features has yet to comment further on the project. Eggers, represented by WME and Frankfurt Kurnit, has a busy schedule ahead, with reports linking him to a potential ‘A Christmas Carol’ adaptation and a long-rumored ‘Labyrinth’ sequel, though the status of these projects remains unclear.

Given how thoroughly Eggers has redefined horror and period drama over the past decade, a Shakespearean tragedy filtered through his signature obsession with historical authenticity seems like an intriguing, albeit unexpected, next step.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments.

Share: