Horror enthusiasts gearing up for the release of a fresh trailer for an iconic horror revival found themselves more than a little upset over a particular casting decision. It’s common for reboots of films and TV shows to stir up a bit of dissent, with fans often declaring that “no one asked for this” or that it couldn’t possibly compare to the original. Nonetheless, the fervor around the recently revealed teaser for the upcoming movie Nosferatu, a remake of the 1922 classic, is rooted in an entirely different concern.
Released on June 24, the teaser for Nosferatu did not list Anya Taylor-Joy among the cast, much to the dismay of her fans. Taylor-Joy has been linked to this Robert Eggers-directed project since around 2017, though it’s been in the pipeline since 2015. Regrettably, due to scheduling conflicts, Taylor-Joy had to bow out, and Lily Rose-Depp stepped in to fill the role.
This change didn’t sit well with many fans, leading to a range of reactions on social media. Some expressed their disappointment, with comments like “Damn, I really wanted to see Anya in Nosferatu,” and “It should’ve been Anya why did you drop from Nosferatu, I don’t think I could forgive you.” Another plainly stated, “I’m so p****d, Anya would have been perfect in Nosferatu, I lost so bad.”
Yet, amidst the backlash, there are voices of optimism. One fan admitted, “am kinda living for Lily Rose in the Nosferatu teaser, but I can’t help but to imagine how good Anya would have been.” Another optimistic fan remarked, “Lily replacing Anya is why people (myself included) were skeptical heading in. I think LRD is gonna do well in Nosferatu! Already excelling the expressions.”
With the film slated for a December release, the anticipation is mixed with curiosity about what this new rendition will deliver. The synopsis hints at a ‘Gothic tale of obsession between a haunted young woman and the terrifying vampire infatuated with her, causing untold horror in its wake.’ Alongside Lily Rose-Depp, Nosferatu features Emma Corrin, Nicholas Hoult, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Willem Dafoe.
As the film prepares to haunt cinemas by Christmas 2024, it remains unrated, leaving many to wonder just how dark this gothic tale will venture. Whether fans will embrace this new iteration or pine for what might have been with Taylor-Joy remains to be seen.