Nicholas Hoult, known for his roles in “The Great” and “Mad Max: Fury Road,” recently shared a chilling behind-the-scenes story from the set of his upcoming horror film, “Nosferatu.” In an appearance on “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” Hoult recounted a heart-stopping experience involving a pack of wolves that blurred the lines between acting and genuine fear. The film, a remake of the classic silent vampire film, stars Hoult alongside a stellar cast including Lily-Rose Depp, Bill Skarsgård, Willem Dafoe, and Emma Corrin.
From Internal Dread to Outward Terror: Hoult’s Acting Challenge
During his conversation with Seth Meyers, Hoult discussed the unique challenges of portraying fear on screen. He confessed that in his personal life, fear has always been an internal experience. However, for “Nosferatu,” he was tasked with expressing terror outwardly, a feat that pushed him beyond his comfort zone. The film, directed by Robert Eggers, known for his visually stunning and atmospheric horror films like “The Witch” and “The Lighthouse,” demanded a raw and visceral performance from Hoult.
A Harrowing Escape: The Wolf Chase Scene
The specific scene that triggered genuine fear in Hoult involved a daring escape from a window while being pursued by a pack of wolves. Playing the role of Thomas Hutter, Hoult’s character is forced to flee from the monstrous Count Orlok, played by Bill Skarsgård. In this pivotal scene, Hutter’s desperate escape is complicated by the relentless pursuit of ravenous wolves.
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As Hoult prepared for the scene, the wolves were held back on leashes, their ferocious barks and intense stares creating a palpable sense of danger. Hoult described the experience as incredibly unsettling, with the wolves “barking, like, with death in their eyes. They want to eat.” The intensity of the moment heightened his anxiety, blurring the lines between performance and reality.
A Close Call and an Unusable Take: The Reality of Fear
In one particularly intense take, Hoult barely managed to escape through the window as the wolves were unleashed. While the escape was successful, the take was ultimately deemed unusable by director Robert Eggers. The reason? Hoult’s face, contorted in genuine fear, displayed an expression that Eggers found too comical for the intended tone of the scene.
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While reviewing the footage, Hoult agreed that his expression was unintentionally humorous, acknowledging the absurdity of genuine fear captured on film. However, he also confirmed to Eggers that the fear he experienced was undeniably real. The incident highlighted the unpredictable nature of working with animals and the unexpected challenges that can arise on a film set.
Unanswered Questions and Lingering Fear: The Aftermath
The near-miss left Hoult with lingering questions about the safety protocols in place. He humorously questioned what the wolves were trained to do if he hadn’t made it out of the window in time, underscoring the inherent risks involved in such a scene. The experience served as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of filmmaking and the lengths actors go to for their craft. This anecdote offers a fascinating glimpse into the behind-the-scenes realities of creating a horror film, showcasing the dedication and vulnerability required to bring terrifying stories to life. “Nosferatu,” promising a chilling cinematic experience, is set to hit theaters on December 25th.
Frequently Asked Questions About “Nosferatu”
Q: When is “Nosferatu” being released?
A: “Nosferatu” is scheduled for release on December 25th.
Q: Who directed “Nosferatu”?
A: The film is directed by Robert Eggers.
Q: Who stars in “Nosferatu”?
A: The film stars Nicholas Hoult, Lily-Rose Depp, Bill Skarsgård, Willem Dafoe, and Emma Corrin.
Q: Is “Nosferatu” a remake?
A: Yes, “Nosferatu” is a remake of the classic 1922 silent German Expressionist horror film.
Q: What role does Nicholas Hoult play in “Nosferatu”?
A: Nicholas Hoult plays the role of Thomas Hutter.
