Nosferatu Maestro Robert Eggers May Write and Direct a Christmas Carol Remake for Willem Dafoe to Play Scrooge

If you're a fan of atmospheric, meticulously crafted cinema, the idea of Robert Eggers directing a remake of A Christmas Carol is nothing short of thrilling. Known for his signature gothic style in films like The Witch, The Lighthouse, and the upcoming Werwulf, Eggers brings a unique vision to any project he touches—and this classic holiday tale seems ripe for his dark, period-accurate reinterpretation.

According to Variety, while no official attachments have been made yet, Eggers is currently being considered to direct the new adaptation at Warner Bros., and he reportedly has one actor in mind to play Ebenezer Scrooge: Willem Dafoe. The duo previously collaborated on The Lighthouse, where Dafoe’s intense performance left an indelible mark—so it's easy to see how he could bring a chilling gravitas to the iconic role.

As of now, the film remains in early development, so don’t expect cameras to roll anytime soon. Eggers himself is still deep in production on Werwulf, a grim historical horror film set for a Christmas 2026 release from Focus Features. That means any work on A Christmas Carol would likely follow afterward, possibly aiming for a 2027 release window if everything aligns.

What makes this project particularly intriguing is how Eggers might approach such a beloved story. He’s described Werwulf as “the darkest thing” he’s written to date, so it’s fair to assume that his take on A Christmas Carol won’t be a lighthearted retelling. Instead, expect a haunting, psychologically rich version that leans into the ghostly roots of Dickens’ tale—something that feels right at home with Eggers’ established aesthetic.

Co-written by frequent collaborator Sjón (who also worked with Eggers on The Northman and the upcoming Labyrinth sequel), Werwulf showcases the director’s affinity for mythic storytelling and historical authenticity. It’s not hard to imagine him applying that same rigor to Victorian London, crafting a visually immersive and emotionally unsettling rendition of A Christmas Carol.

While we wait for official casting or crew announcements, fans can dream about what promises to be a uniquely eerie and unforgettable holiday film—if and when it moves forward. And if Eggers and Dafoe do team up again, it could be one of the most memorable cinematic pairings of the decade.