Sink your teeth into these 10 behind-the-scenes secrets from Robert Eggers’ terrifying horror masterpiece, Nosferatu 2024
With Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu terrifying audiences worldwide and casting a new light on the iconic 1922 and 1979 versions, the 2025 remake is already a modern masterpiece. Here are 10 fascinating behind-the-scenes facts you probably didn’t know about the new Nosferatu.
Pernštejn Castle Returns as a Vampire Icon
The haunting interiors of Count Orlok’s castle were filmed at Pernštejn Castle in the Czech Republic, a location renowned for its foreboding Gothic beauty.
Fans of Werner Herzog’s 1979 Nosferatu the Vampyre might find this location familiar – it was used in that adaptation too. The castle’s eerie, labyrinthine corridors and medieval architecture bring the world of vampires chillingly to life once again.
Orlok’s Castle Exterior Shot at Vlad Dracula’s Prison
For the exterior shots of Count Orlok’s castle, the production team turned to Corvin Castle in Hunedoara, Romania.
This striking Gothic fortress has a direct connection to vampire lore – Vlad the Impaler, the historical inspiration for Dracula, was imprisoned there. Its towering spires and menacing silhouette created the perfect setting for the terrifying vampire’s lair.
Bill Skarsgård’s Voice Is an Octave Lower
To make Count Orlok as terrifying as possible, Bill Skarsgård worked with an opera coach to lower his voice by an octave.
This vocal transformation added an unnerving depth to his character, helping him embody the vampire’s otherworldly menace. The result is a voice that’s as chilling as Orlok’s haunting appearance.
Styles and Taylor-Joy Were Cast, But Had to Exit
Before filming began, Harry Styles and Anya Taylor-Joy were announced as the leads for Nosferatu. However, both actors had to step away from the project due to scheduling conflicts.
Lily-Rose Depp was brought in to replace Taylor-Joy, taking on the role with her own unique style. While it’s tempting to imagine what Styles and Taylor-Joy might have brought to the film, Depp’s performance has earned high praise.
Prague Became 19th-Century Europe with 60 Sets
To recreate the haunting landscapes of 19th-century Europe, the production team built an astonishing 60 sets in Prague.
These included five entire city blocks that mimicked historical architecture from Germany and Transylvania. From cobblestone streets to period shopfronts, the sets transported audiences to a world steeped in Gothic horror and historical realism.
Plague Scenes Used 5,000 Real Rats
For the film’s eerie plague sequences, the production team went to unusual lengths. Approximately 5,000 live rats were used to depict the spread of disease and despair.
These rats were carefully trained and their movements enhanced using visual effects in post-production. The result was a horrifyingly realistic depiction of the pestilence that serves as the backdrop to the vampire’s reign of terror.
Skarsgård’s Six-Hour Prosthetic Transformations
Becoming Count Orlok was a gruelling process for Bill Skarsgård, who endured daily makeup sessions lasting up to six hours.
The prosthetic team meticulously crafted his sunken features, rat-like teeth, and grotesque fingers, transforming him into the horrifying vampire. The attention to detail in his makeup added an extra layer of terror to his performance.
Eggers’ Commitment to Historical Accuracy
Director Robert Eggers is famous for his meticulous approach to historical authenticity, and Nosferatu is no exception.
Every detail of the film – from the costumes to the furniture – was sourced or crafted to reflect the late 19th century. Eggers even ensured that props were made using materials accurate to the period, adding a depth of realism that immerses viewers in the film’s Gothic setting.
A Tribute to Silent Film Classics
Eggers’ Nosferatu is not just a remake; it’s a love letter to the golden age of silent cinema. The film draws heavily from Victor Sjöström’s The Phantom Carriage (1921) and other silent-era masterpieces.
This influence can be seen in the film’s use of lighting, shadows, and atmospheric storytelling, which echo the visual style of early cinema while adding a modern twist.
Nicholas Hoult Received a Hilarious Wrap Gift
As a quirky farewell, director Robert Eggers gifted actor Nicholas Hoult a framed prosthetic used by Bill Skarsgård during production.
Hoult, who plays a pivotal role in the film, found the gesture hilariously strange and shared the story during interviews. This light-hearted moment was a humorous contrast to the intensity of the production process.
You can now read Chris Newton’s review of Nosferatu 2024 for Spooky Isles.
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