Key Points:
- Bill Skarsgård describes playing Count Orlok in Nosferatu as his most terrifying role.
- The film’s production kept Orlok’s look secret until its theatrical release.
- Nosferatu is available on digital platforms, with physical copies arriving on February 18.
Bill Skarsgård, known for his transformative roles, recently revealed the challenges of portraying Count Orlok in Nosferatu. Directed by Robert Eggers, this reimagining of the 1922 silent classic captivated audiences and critics alike. Skarsgård’s haunting performance and the film’s gothic atmosphere contributed to its box office success, earning $155.4 million globally.
Bill Skarsgård on the Role of Count Orlok

Bill Skarsgård described his portrayal of Count Orlok as his most terrifying role to date. Known for his dramatic transformations in It and The Crow,
Skarsgård admitted, “I’ve done these sort of transformative performances before, but none quite like this. I’ve never been more scared in playing a character than playing Orlok.”
To embody the undead vampire, Skarsgård underwent extensive preparations, including working with an opera coach to lower his voice by an octave. This, combined with his decaying makeup and eerie physicality, created a chilling on-screen presence.
“The amount of stamina and energy it takes to lower your voice and be this supernatural creature that’s incapable of imperfection is very exhausting,” said director Robert Eggers.
Skarsgård’s efforts paid off, as his portrayal was praised by both his co-stars and critics. Lily-Rose Depp, who played Ellen Hutter, described him as “the only man for the job,” adding, “absolutely incredible.” Nicholas Hoult, who portrayed Ellen’s husband, Thomas, commented on the actor’s intimidating presence, calling it “fully realized and horrific.”
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Nosferatu: Keeping Orlok’s Appearance a Mystery

Focus Features and Robert Eggers made the strategic decision to keep Count Orlok’s appearance under wraps until Nosferatu premiered on December 25. This unconventional approach added to the film’s mystique and allowed audiences to experience Orlok’s haunting presence for the first time on the big screen. Even promotional materials avoided revealing Skarsgård’s transformation, maintaining suspense and intrigue.
The movie’s eerie atmosphere was enhanced by Skarsgård’s ragged breath, terrifying voice, and decayed skin. Eggers’ rendition of Nosferatu further differentiated itself from the 1922 original by portraying Orlok as a rotting, mustachioed vampire, adding a layer of grotesque realism.
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Critical and Commercial Success

Nosferatu has been a major hit, grossing $155.4 million globally on a $50 million budget. Critics awarded it an 84% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, praising its gothic visuals and Skarsgård’s performance. Audiences also appreciated the film, with a 73% approval score, marking it as Eggers’ highest-rated project.
The cast’s performances were lauded, with Willem Dafoe as Prof. Albin Eberhart Von Franz, Emma Corrin as Anna Harding, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Friedrich Harding delivering memorable roles. The ensemble cast, coupled with Eggers’ meticulous direction, created a gripping and atmospheric horror experience.
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Release Details and Bonus Features
Focus Features shared a behind-the-scenes interview where Skarsgård detailed the demands of the role. He acknowledged the abstract nature of his performance,
saying, “Me sitting, looking the way I look, and doing the voice and physicality, it is so abstract, and it feels fake, and it feels contrived. So you’re terrified because it’s something that you can’t really control. Either this will come alive, or it won’t.”
After its theatrical run, Nosferatu became available for digital purchase and rental on January 21. We can look forward to its physical release on 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and DVD on February 18. The physical editions include an extended cut, deleted scenes, behind-the-scenes footage, and director’s commentary offering a comprehensive look at the film’s production.
Source: Entertainment Weekly
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