Eggers' 'Werwulf' Unveils Second Trailer and Lunar Scavenger Hunt

Key points

• The second trailer for Werwulf dropped on September 26, 2026, matching the date of the Harvest Moon.
• The film stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson as a man transforming into a werewolf, with Lily-Rose Depp as his wife and Willem Dafoe as a wolf-hunting knight.
• Set in 13th-century England, the movie features period-appropriate dialogue and is described by Eggers as his darkest work yet.
• Focus Features launched an interactive online scavenger hunt at DevourethAllMankynde.com, with challenges released on each full moon through December.
• Werwulf is scheduled to open in theaters on December 25, 2026, following the success of Eggers' previous Christmas release, Nosferatu.

Background

Robert Eggers has established a pattern of releasing major horror films around the holiday season, with Nosferatu premiering on Christmas Day in 2024. His previous works, including The Witch and The Northman, have emphasized historical accuracy and atmospheric dread. The current marketing campaign for Werwulf builds on this by utilizing the lunar cycle, a motif central to werewolf folklore, to drive engagement. The September 26 full moon, known as the Harvest Moon, was a notable astronomical event this year, aligning with the studio's promotional timeline.

How outlets are covering it

Gizmodo highlights the deliberate synchronization of marketing materials with full moon dates, noting that the first trailer, poster, and merchandise all released on previous lunar peaks. The Hollywood Reporter focuses on the cast reunion, noting that Taylor-Johnson, Depp, and Dafoe previously collaborated on Nosferatu, which grossed $180 million worldwide. IndieWire emphasizes the interactive component, detailing the 24-hour puzzle mechanics of the alternate reality game. A.V. Club critiques the trailer's aesthetic, comparing it to a darker version of Tim Burton's style while acknowledging Eggers' intense visual direction. All sources agree on the December 25 release date and the film's medieval setting.

Why it matters

The aggressive, multi-platform marketing strategy for Werwulf indicates a high-stakes release for Focus Features, aiming to replicate the commercial success of Nosferatu. The integration of an alternate reality game suggests a shift in horror marketing toward immersive, time-sensitive fan engagement. The film's placement on Christmas Day positions it as a major seasonal event, potentially influencing box office performance and cultural conversation during the holiday period.

What to watch

The next full moon is scheduled for October 26, 2026, which will trigger the next phase of the online scavenger hunt. Additional marketing materials are expected to drop on November 24 and December 23, leading up to the film's theatrical debut on December 25. Eggers is also set to direct an adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, which may receive similar promotional attention in the future.