Director Robert Eggers’ reimagining of the classic vampire tale Nosferatu is making headlines not just for its horrific content but for what Nicholas Hoult walked away with after filming wrapped. During a recent interview with co-star Lily-Rose Depp for Elle’s "Ask Me Anything" series, Huolt revealed he has Count Orlok’s prosthetic penis framed at home, leaving audiences both amused and bewildered.
"I have Count Orlok’s prosthetic penis framed at home," Hoult, 35, admitted. He then recounted the peculiar moment from the film where Bill Skarsgård, who plays the titular vampire, was caught dramatically slurping Hoult’s character’s blood. After shooting this scene, Eggers asked Hoult about the experience. "I said, ‘I could feel his prosthetic penis on my leg,’" Hoult quipped.
The gift was not just bizarre but also broke the mold of typical wrap gifts, as Eggers took it upon himself to have the item framed and sent it to Hoult’s residence. But, as fate would have it, the frame arrived broken, sparking another anecdote. "I had to take it to a local frame shop and I had to be like, ‘Hey, dude, can you fix this?’" said Hoult, reflecting on the bemusement of the framer.
What made the story particularly funny was the response of the man at the frame shop. Upon picking up the repaired item, Hoult shared, "He was like, ‘Is this some kind of collector’s piece?’ I was like, ‘Yeah, you could saythat.’” The surreal nature of framing such a peculiar item for the home certainly raised eyebrows.
Nosferatu, hitting theaters on Christmas Day, is more than just tales of vampires—it signifies Eggers' commitment to reviving the horror genre through character immersion and historical accuracy. The film is described as horrific yet beautiful, showcasing the contrasts inherent within its darker themes.
Bill Skarsgård, who stepped fully transformed as Count Orlok, shared his discomfort with the extensive prosthetics worn during the shoot. He described how lengthy the process was to become the infamous vampire, saying, "The prosthetics took forever. You were very hot and you were very itchy and sticky. I became very obsessed with transforming... but there’s also a lot of beauty in it.”
Eggers’ vision for Orlok encapsulates the idea of the vampire rooted deeply within folklore—a concept he’s expressed with the film’s aesthetic choices. Sharing his thoughts about the portrayal of Orlok, Eggers said, "I enjoy the fact... these early folk vampires look like corpses, and they’re in this state of putrefaction." His take is less about glamour and more about the grotesque reality often associated with traditional vampire lore.
With the character design aiming for authenticity, Skarsgård recalls his initial fears when presented with the device used for his transformation. He remarked, "When I first saw the sculpt, I was alarmed. It didn’t look like me; I was worried about performing this character. But then once the hair was applied, I began to see him as distinct."
The cerebral tension of horror is also highlighted through the relational dynamic between Hoult's character Thomas Hutter and Depp's Ellen Hutter. The film plays with motifs of forbidden attraction, with Eggers leaning heavily on this subtext—"Ellen connects with Orlok, ensnaring herself yet also reflecting societal constraints," he remarked. Their connection hints at something darker, threading through the film’s narrative.
The make-up and prosthetics work, the enchanting atmosphere, and Eggers' historical fidelity come together to offer viewers not just scares but deep, layered storytelling. This film aims to defy conventional vampire tales—a departure from the sparkly, romantic depictions popular today.
With its impending release, anticipation builds as audiences prepare for Eggers' unique take on Nosferatu. This film promises layers of complexity beneath its horrific surface—a blend of beauty and beast waiting to be unraveled when it finally hits theaters this December.
