Willem Dafoe hypes up Robert Eggers' Werwulf, calling it the director's toughest shoot yet. When an actor works with a director a few times, they figure they have seen it all - the tough conditions, the weird hours, the heavy lifting. However, it is a rule of nature that everything and everyone evolves with time, and so does their process of working. But even for a seasoned pro who has been through the wringer on past sets, a certain acclaimed indie auteur's latest monster feature took things to a whole new level.

According to Willem Dafoe, stepping into the world of Werwulf meant surviving what is easily Robert Eggers' most extreme and punishing shoot yet.

When a seasoned actor and an auteur filmmaker team up repeatedly, they usually develop a comfortable shorthand. Having braved the intense elements and grueling conditions of past cinematic collaborations with Robert Eggers, veteran star Willem Dafoe figured he had seen just about everything a set could throw at him. But his latest Film Updates confession tells us otherwise.

“It was a very tough shoot. Probably the most extreme shoot that he's done,” Dafoe admits.

Looking back at his latest venture with visionary director Robert Eggers, the actor admits that their newest medieval dark-fantasy project, Werwulf, took things to a whole other level. Having already previewed the final cut, however, he was quick to emphasize that the intense labor paid off on screen, describing the finished product as visually striking and deeply thrilling. 

Further ahead in the conversation with Film Updates, he lauded the filmmaker's signature mastery of constructing completely immersive, richly detailed universes, expressing confidence that audiences will enthusiastically embrace the upcoming cinematic experience. Interestingly, this is his fourth collaboration with the director.

Robert Eggers Reveals Fascinating 14th Century Real Life Inspiration Behind Willem Dafoe’s ‘Werwulf’ Character

Over the years, director Robert Eggers has put his own distinct spin on plenty of classic monsters - from creepy witches and brooding vampires to gritty, mythic warriors. Now, he is taking a bite out of werewolf lore. 

If there is one thing fans love about his movies, it is how seriously Robert Eggers takes the history. By obsessively nailing the period-accurate clothes, old-school language, and rugged sets, he makes the wild, supernatural stuff feel totally believable. True to form, he dug up real-life accounts to anchor this Werewolf tale, even modeling Willem Dafoe's character after an actual historical figure.

While trailers have given us a quick taste of the atmosphere, the full plot is still wrapped in mystery. Alongside Dafoe, the cast of Werwulf packs a serious punch with Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Lily-Rose Depp, Ralph Ineson, and Bodhi Rae Breathnach. Judging by what we have seen so far, this is easily shaping up to be Eggers' most intense, hair-raising ride yet. While movies like The Witch and The Lighthouse loved to play the slow-burn game with your nerves, a story about a guy turning into a bloodthirsty monster means there will not be many places to hide from the terror.

Robert Eggers Had to Hire a Dialect Coach to Make 'Werwulf' Middle English Dialogue Comprehensible

Does Willem Dafoe’s statement excite you more about the latest Robert Eggers project? Do let us know.