Robert Eggers is currently enjoying significant success in his filmmaking career. His newest project, Nosferatu, has not only garnered enthusiastic reviews but has also turned into an unexpected box office success, raking in over $100 million globally within its first two weeks of release. This film represents Eggers’ interpretation of the classic 1922 silent horror film of the same name, which is informally based on Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
With his triumph in Nosferatu and a demonstrated passion for classic horror narratives, it’s natural to speculate whether Eggers might venture into other iconic horror properties in the future. In a recent discussion with Curzon, he disclosed that he has made attempts to create his own version of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Eggers expressed that the inspiration came with the birth of his child, feeling a deep, “unconscious urge” to explore a fresh take on the cherished gothic novel.
However, in contrast to Nosferatu, Eggers does not plan to pursue his adaptation of Frankenstein. He mentioned, “I started to try to do Frankenstein, which after two weeks, I realized there’s no way I can do this, it’s impossible.” He refrained from elaborating on the specific details of his unfinished project, admitting that it “definitely didn’t go well.”
Even though Eggers faced challenges with this iconic material, horror aficionados can look forward to new interpretations of Frankenstein coming soon. Director Maggie Gyllenhaal is developing her own project related to the theme titled The Bride, while acclaimed filmmaker Guillermo del Toro is also adapting Frankenstein, featuring Oscar Isaac as the infamous creator and Jacob Elordi as his haunting creation. Both films are slated for release this year.
Eggers himself does not seem particularly distressed about his thwarted endeavor with Frankenstein. He shared, “Sometimes, you know you have a dud,” and expressed his excitement for Guillermo del Toro’s adaptation.
Nosferatu is currently showing in theaters.
