Willem Dafoe stars in Nosferatu, directed by Robert Eggers, who drew inspiration from the original vampire legends.When I connect with Willem Dafoe over Zoom to discuss his latest film, Nosferatu, the conversation quickly turns to mortality.
The four-time Oscar-nominated actor is speaking to me for Radio 4's Today program about Robert Eggers’ reimagining of the iconic 1922 silent film, which was an unauthorized adaptation of Bram Stoker's Dracula.
Nosferatu tells the chilling story of a vampiric entity infatuated with a young woman named Ellen, portrayed by Lily-Rose Depp. As expected in a tale about bloodthirsty creatures, death plays a central role. Dafoe, who stars as Prof. Albin Eberhart von Franz, an occult expert and vampire hunter, suggests that the theme resonates universally: “We’re all, in some way, considering death all the time.” For Dafoe, this underlying reflection is part of what makes vampire stories so enduring.
“Having the undead interact with the living is a fascinating concept,” he explains. “It becomes a meditation on the darker and lighter sides of existence.”
Dafoe’s career has long been a balance between Hollywood blockbusters—such as the Spider-Man franchise and John Wick—and more avant-garde, arthouse projects. Over 130 films since his debut in 1980’s Heaven’s Gate have cemented his reputation as one of the greatest living character actors. From playing Jesus in The Last Temptation of Christ to Van Gogh in At Eternity’s Gate, Dafoe’s transformative performances reflect his voracious work ethic and penchant for challenging roles.
Eggers’ Nosferatu stands apart by grounding the horror in historical authenticity. Where the original film by F.W. Murnau pioneered groundbreaking special effects, Eggers leans into tactile realism, even using 2,000 live rats on set. Dafoe embraces this approach, preferring practical effects over CGI. “You need to earn the authority to pretend,” he says, emphasizing the value of tangible experiences in filmmaking.
Unlike the suave vampires of contemporary cinema, Count Orlok in Eggers’ Nosferatu is a folk-based predator, stripped of the polished allure we associate with the genre. “Eggers wanted to recapture a time when people truly believed in vampires,” Dafoe explains, adding that this portrayal is unlike anything audiences have seen before.
The film, featuring a cast that includes Lily-Rose Depp, Nicholas Hoult, and Emma Corrin, debuted in the U.S. on Christmas Day. Dafoe acknowledges the irony of releasing such a dark story during a festive season. “Holidays have a shadow side,” he remarks. “For some, they highlight isolation or unhappiness.”
Lily-Rose Depp has received acclaim for portraying Ellen Hutter, the object of Count Orlok's fixation in Nosferatu.Despite the horror, Nosferatu—like much of Dafoe’s work—captures both the joy and pain of existence. It reflects his belief that embracing life’s complexities is essential: “If you don’t recognize the shadow side, it’s bound to catch up with you someday.”
As our conversation concludes, I can’t help but marvel at Dafoe’s expressive face, which he jokingly attributes to its "range." Reflecting on unflattering red carpet photos, he quips, “Man, they get some grotesque pictures—and some nice ones. I just tell my face to calm down.”
In Nosferatu, his face, his talent, and his philosophical depth combine to create another unforgettable performance.
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