Willem Dafoe has praised Robert Eggers’ forthcoming gothic horror film, Werwulf, describing the director as an increasingly accomplished “world maker”. The film marks their fourth consecutive collaboration and is significant as it continues Eggers’ established blend of historical research, folklore and horror.

Werwulf is due to be released on 25 December and is set in 13th-century England. Aaron Taylor-Johnson plays a cursed farmer seeking to protect his family as lycanthropy becomes real, while Dafoe plays a hunter pursuing the creature. Dafoe said Eggers’ detailed preparation and ability to create immersive settings give actors clear material to react to.