Behind the Scenes of Nosferatu: Nicholas Hoult’s Terrifying Encounter
In a recent discussion about his role in the highly anticipated Nosferatu remake, Nicholas Hoult recounted a genuinely frightening experience during filming. This latest rendition of the classic tale is inspired by the 1922 silent film, which is an unauthorized take on Bram Stoker’s iconic Dracula. In this version, Hoult portrays Thomas Hutter, drawing parallels to Jonathan Harker, Stoker’s original character. Initially, director Robert Eggers considered casting Bill Skarsgård for Hutter’s role but ultimately chose him to play the film’s menacing antagonist, Count Orlok.
Genuine Terror on Set
While appearing on Late Night With Seth Meyers, Hoult shared insights into the challenges of portraying fear on screen. He acknowledged the exhausting task of acting scared but admitted that one particular incident during production truly frightened him. The scene involved his character fleeing from a pack of wolves, and during the take, Hoult slipped and had a harrowing near miss escaping through a window. Unfortunately, this moment of authentic terror didn’t make the final cut due to his amusing facial expression caught on camera. Below, Hoult elaborates on that unforgettable moment:
There was one time where it was true fear. We have these wolves in the movie that were chasing me out of a window while I’m trying to escape from Count Orlok’s castle. I was running on the spot for the take, while they were being held back on leashes, barking with death in their eyes. They wanted to eat.
I thought, “Whew, okay, this is intense.” When I ran, I slipped and nearly didn’t make it out of the window as they were let loose. I managed to escape, but then Rob [Eggers] called, “Cut, cut, cut. No, you pulled a silly face. We can’t use that.”
He showed me what my face did, and I realized it looked ridiculous, but hey, at least that was real fear. I never asked about what would have happened if the wolves actually got to me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGO2jB7wnQIhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGO2jB7wnQI
The Resurgence of True Vampire Horror in Hollywood
Although Hoult’s near encounter with a wolf was ultimately excluded from the finished film, Nosferatu itself is generating substantial excitement and horror. Garnering critical praise, it currently enjoys an impressive 86% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. This latest portrayal represents a significant departure from Hoult’s previous venture into vampire lore in the 2023 movie Renfield.
Critics have widely recognized Nosferatu as a vital return to the chilling essence that defines vampire narratives. Count Orlok, as depicted by Eggers, contrasts sharply with the more modern, romanticized portrayals of vampires. Instead of relying on campy humor, the film embraces the authenticity of fear—a quality that resonates powerfully with Hoult’s genuine reaction during filming.
Reflections on Hoult’s Experience
Safety of the Cast and Control of Animal Actors
Though Hoult expresses uncertainty regarding the consequences had the wolves actually reached him, it is highly likely that the trained animal handlers would have swiftly regained control. The wolves featured in films of this nature are typically well-trained and closely monitored, ensuring the safety of the cast and crew.
Even so, it’s easy to appreciate the level of authentic fear that the actor experienced. While this particular take was left on the cutting room floor, it is hoped that audiences may eventually see Hoult’s genuine reaction in potential bonus material for the film’s future physical media release.
Source: Late Night With Seth Meyers