Director Robert Eggers is set to adapt Charles Dickens' classic novel, 'A Christmas Carol', with potential casting of Willem Dafoe in the role of Ebenezer Scrooge.
A Sinister Twist on a Holiday Classic
Over the years, few stories have undergone as dramatic a reinvention as Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. From a Bill Murray comedy to a Muppet movie, this timeless tale has seen numerous transformations. The latest interpretation, though, promises to be a distinctly darker, more unsettling take, courtesy of none other than Robert Eggers.
According to Deadline, the director behind The Witch, The Lighthouse, The Northman, and last year's unexpected hit Nosferatu is in negotiations to pen and direct this new adaptation for Warner Bros. While the cast remains unconfirmed, Eggers reportedly sees frequent collaborator Willem Dafoe as the ideal choice to portray the protagonist, Ebenezer Scrooge.
As you ponder over Eggers' version of this Christmas classic, your mind can't help but conjure up visions of a foreboding, haunting spectacle – in the best possible way. Known for opting for in-depth historical research to craft his own narratives, Eggers has mostly steered clear of adaptations. However, his approach slightly shifted with Nosferatu. Up next, he's set to co-write and helm another period horror project titled Werwulf, centered around – you guessed it – werewolves.
The original setting of A Christmas Carol and the blend of pathos, fantasy, and horror echo perfectly with Eggers' creative inclinations. We're talking evocative sets, supernatural creatures, and captivating costumes. Plus, for Hollywood, it's a beloved property with a recognizable name. It's essentially an ideal project all around, and that's before we even consider Dafoe as Scrooge. It seems like the role he was destined to play.
Eggers isn't only attached to a reboot of Labyrinth, so there's no word yet on which film will follow Werwulf, due for release in Christmas 2026. But if A Christmas Carol is next, there's a strong chance that Christmas 2028 may send a shiver down your spine as Dickens' ghostly tale comes to life on the big screen.
Stay tuned for updates on the Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek universes, the future of the DC Universe on film and TV, and all you need to know about the evolving landscape of Doctor Who.
Enrichment Data:- Title Clarification: The correct title of the original story is A Christmas Carol, not A Christmas Story.- Setting: Eggers' adaptation is set in 13th-century England, a significant departure from traditional versions.- Talent: Willem Dafoe is Eggers' top choice to play Ebenezer Scrooge, with the character being tailor-made for him.- Production & Release: The film is scheduled for a December 25, 2026 release, with shooting expected to commence later this year.- Dark, Supernatural Twist: Eggers' interpretation is expected to provide a fresh, eerie take on Dickens' classic tale.
In the world of movies and television, Disney's upcoming streaming platform could potentially host Robert Eggers' dark, supernatural twist on A Christmas Carol, following his success with period horror films like Nosferatu. Given Eggers' preference for historical accuracy and supernatural elements, it's plausible that the movie is set in 13th-century England, offering a departure from traditional adaptations. If Willem Dafoe joins the cast as Ebenezer Scrooge, as some speculate, his intense portrayal may well elevate the cinematic experience, possibly leading to a chilling Christmas release in 2028.
