Eggers' 'Werwulf' Trailer Debuts with Lunar-Themed Scavenger Hunt

Key points

• The new trailer for 'Werwulf' was released on September 26, 2026, marking the second official look at the film.
• Robert Eggers described 'Werwulf' as the darkest and most visceral project of his career, following 'Nosferatu' and 'The Witch.'
• The film is set in 13th-century England and centers on a man who transforms into a werewolf during full moons.
• Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Lily-Rose Depp, and Willem Dafoe star in the film, reuniting the ensemble from Eggers' 2024 vampire film 'Nosferatu.'
• Focus Features launched an alternate reality game at DevourethAllMankynde.com, featuring 24-hour puzzle hunts tied to each full moon from September through November.
• The film is scheduled for a wide theatrical release on December 25, 2026.

Background

This release follows Eggers' announcement of a new 'Romeo and Juliet' adaptation for Focus Features, which will feature Old English dialogue and is slated to follow 'Werwulf.' The studio has previously screened footage of 'Werwulf' at CinemaCon in April 2026, where it was billed as Eggers' 'most terrifying motion picture yet.' The 2024 film 'Nosferatu,' which also starred Taylor-Johnson and Depp, grossed $180 million worldwide and received four Oscar nominations in craft categories.

How outlets are covering it

The Hollywood Reporter emphasized the period-appropriate language and the reunion of the 'Nosferatu' cast, noting Dafoe's character declares 'Every wolf shall die!' in the trailer. IndieWire highlighted Eggers' statement that 'Werwulf' is the darkest film he has written, focusing on the historical context of werewolf folklore. Bloody Disgusting focused on the alternate reality game mechanics, detailing the 24-hour puzzle windows and the prize for completing all three moons. Yahoo's coverage was minimal, primarily noting the surprising nature of the alternate reality game spin-off.

Why it matters

The release of the second trailer and the launch of the alternate reality game signal a significant marketing push for 'Werwulf,' which is positioned as a major holiday release. The film's alignment with lunar phases and the interactive game strategy suggest a focus on engaging horror fans and building anticipation for the December 25 release. Eggers' reputation for atmospheric horror and the reunion of the 'Nosferatu' cast indicate strong potential for critical and commercial success.

What to watch

The alternate reality game will continue with each full moon from September through November 2026, with fans having 24 hours to solve puzzles. The film is scheduled for a wide theatrical release on December 25, 2026. Eggers is set to direct a new 'Romeo and Juliet' adaptation for Focus Features, which will follow 'Werwulf.'