Robert Eggers to Reimagine A Christmas Carol With a Dark, Gothic Vision

Following the success of Nosferatu, filmmaker Robert Eggers is embarking on a new project—a retelling of Charles Dickens’ classic ghost story A Christmas Carol. According to Deadline, Eggers will write and direct the adaptation for Warner Bros., staying within the realm of dark, period storytelling. Although casting is not finalized, insiders report that Eggers is writing the role of Ebenezer Scrooge with actor Willem Dafoe in mind.

Gothic Tale Meets Visionary Filmmaker in Eggers and Dafoe’s Potential New Collaboration

Dickens’ tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and his supernatural encounters with spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come has been retold many times. However, Eggers’ signature eerie and historically detailed filmmaking style promises a fresh take. The story’s gothic elements and 19th-century setting align well with Eggers’ previous work, making this project a natural fit for the director.

Eggers appears to be continuing his collaboration with Willem Dafoe, who has played key roles in the director’s last three films: The Lighthouse, The Northman, and Nosferatu. Though no deals are currently in place, Eggers is reportedly developing the script with Dafoe in mind for the lead. Their creative partnership has become a defining aspect of Eggers’ recent filmography.

Riding Nosferatu’s Success Eggers Expands His Vision With Bold Upcoming Film Projects

Nosferatu marked a major milestone for Eggers, earning $181 million globally and four Academy Award nominations in technical categories. The film was both a commercial and critical triumph, praised especially for its immersive visuals. This momentum has positioned Eggers as a strong voice in both genre and prestige filmmaking, with studios now more confident in backing his distinct vision.

Before starting on A Christmas Carol, Eggers is set to begin production on Werwulf for Focus Features later this year. He will also produce A Christmas Carol alongside Chris and Elenor Columbus under their Maiden Voyage banner. With his slate of upcoming projects and consistent collaboration with Dafoe, Eggers continues to carve out a unique space in the film industry, blending historical storytelling with supernatural intrigue.