Focus Features Unveils 'Werwulf' Trailer and Lunar Scavenger Hunt Ahead of Christmas Release

Key points

• The new trailer highlights Aaron Taylor-Johnson's transformation into a werewolf and features period-appropriate dialogue, including Willem Dafoe's character declaring, 'Every wolf shall die!'
• Lily-Rose Depp plays the wife of the transformed man, pleading for his safety from his 'cursedness' in the trailer.
• The film is set in 13th-century England and was co-written by Eggers and Sjón, who previously collaborated on 'The Northman.'
• Focus Features launched an interactive online game tied to full moons in September, October, and November, where users must find hidden codes within 24 hours to complete each phase.
• Eggers described 'Werwulf' as the darkest film of his career, aiming to write the 'scariest thing' possible after 'Nosferatu.'
• The film is scheduled for a wide theatrical release on December 25, 2026.

Background

Robert Eggers previously directed 'Nosferatu' (2024), which grossed $180 million worldwide and received four Oscar nominations. The cast of 'Werwulf' reunites the ensemble from that film. Eggers is also set to direct an adaptation of Shakespeare's 'Romeo & Juliet' for Focus Features. The marketing strategy follows a pattern established with the first trailer and poster, both released on previous full moons in June and July 2026.

How outlets are covering it

AV Club emphasized the visceral, 'senses-assaulting' nature of the trailer and the bizarre, profane tone of the promotional game. The Hollywood Reporter focused on the production details, noting the return of the 'Nosferatu' cast and the film's medieval setting. IndieWire highlighted Eggers' intent to create a 'primal' and 'dark' narrative, contrasting it with his previous works. Gizmodo noted the strategic timing of the release, linking every marketing asset to the lunar cycle, and speculated on the audience's potential ambivalence toward the protagonist.

Why it matters

The release signals a major push for a high-profile horror title during the competitive holiday season. The integration of an alternate reality game represents a significant shift in marketing strategy, aiming to drive engagement through interactive, time-sensitive challenges rather than traditional advertising alone. The film's positioning as Eggers' 'darkest' work sets high expectations for the genre.

What to watch

The next full moon is scheduled for October 26, 2026, which will trigger the next phase of the 'DevourethAllMankynde' game. Additional marketing materials are expected to follow the lunar cycle through December 23, leading up to the December 25 theatrical release.