While it may be surprising to anticipate a festive atmosphere from the visionary behind The Witch and Nosferatu, recent reports from Deadline reveal that Robert Eggers is poised to create a reimagined version of A Christmas Carol by the legendary Charles Dickens for Warner Bros. Adding to the excitement is the potential casting of Willem Dafoe in the iconic role of Ebenezer Scrooge—a choice that promises to deliver a unique and compelling interpretation of this timeless character.
The more I contemplate this upcoming adaptation, the more enthusiastic I become about its potential. While A Christmas Carol ultimately conveys a message of hope and redemption, it undeniably contains elements of the eerie and supernatural. This duality aligns perfectly with Eggers’ distinctive style, particularly as he has expressed a strong preference for historical settings over contemporary narratives. The backdrop of the 1800s not only complements Eggers’ aesthetic but also enriches the storytelling with a sense of authenticity and depth that modern settings often lack.
The narrative of A Christmas Carol has seen countless adaptations throughout the years, with one of the earliest surviving film versions dating back to 1901. Over the years, audiences have been treated to diverse interpretations of this classic story, ranging from The Muppet Christmas Carol to Scrooged, which features a memorable performance by Bill Murray. Additionally, the motion-capture film directed by Robert Zemeckis showcases Jim Carrey in the dual roles of Scrooge and the three spectral guides. Personally, I hold a special fondness for the 1951 adaptation Scrooge, which stars Alastair Sim in a performance that has become iconic.
Before Eggers dives into the enchanting yet eerie world of festive storytelling, his immediate focus will shift to Werwulf, a project that is already scheduled for release on December 25, 2026. He has plans to commence filming later this year, having co-written the screenplay with Sjón, his collaborator from The Northman. Although details about the plot remain under wraps, it is rumored to take place in 13th-century England, featuring dialogue that is authentic to the historical context, complete with translations and annotations for those unfamiliar with Old English. Initially, the film was intended to be shot in black-and-white, but recent hints suggest a shift in that direction. Eggers has described Werwulf as “the darkest thing I’ve ever written, by far.”
In addition to A Christmas Carol and Werwulf, Eggers is also set to write and direct a sequel to Labyrinth, the beloved classic musical fantasy film created by Jim Henson. It’s clear that Eggers has a full slate of ambitious projects ahead of him.
What are your thoughts on Robert Eggers taking on A Christmas Carol? How do you feel about the prospect of Willem Dafoe portraying Scrooge? Additionally, what has been your favorite adaptation of A Christmas Carol to date?
