While horror enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the latest release, fueled by suspenseful trailers and a sense of trepidation – there’s one aspect that won’t become clear until audiences are literally immersed in the film: the true appearance of the titular vampire.
It was a clever strategy employed by the filmmakers to great effect during this summer’s cinematic release, successfully camouflaging Nicolas Cage’s eccentric portrayal as a maniac, allowing his on-screen persona to shine. Based on the eerie themes present in Eggers’ previous films and Skarsgård’s unsettling portrayals, as seen in his roles as Count Orlok and Pennywise, one can reasonably expect that the creature will prove a thrilling wait.
However, you don’t need to rely solely on hypothetical situations for that. When Skarsgård donned his costume and makeup for a brand-new film role, his intense portrayal left his co-stars, including Lily-Rose Depp and Nicholas Hoult, utterly intimidated by his chilling performance.
Told Deadline that his initial reaction upon witnessing Skarsgård in full vamp mode was… (SKIP) “I recall thinking, ‘It’s genuinely terrifying to be standing next to him in a room, so I can’t imagine how it’ll translate to screen.’ He looked genuinely petrifying, and then, once we started filming, it was otherworldly because every detail – the way they made his skin feel and look, the costume, everything – felt so real, like a complete nightmare,” she said. What’s truly unnerving is that this creature isn’t an exact monster – there’s something peculiarly human about it, making its terror exponentially more chilling.
During filming of the pivotal scene where their characters initially interact, Hoult reportedly shared a similar reaction with Skarsgård when they first met in character as Orlok. As the initial interaction unfolds, we’re initially distanced from him, and all we see is his dark outline. As we stroll into the fortress, his presence is palpable, yet he remains unseen.
The situation was such that Tom, typically well mannered, felt an unusual sense of discomfort, yet he couldn’t quite put his finger on why. As the surreal scenario unfolds, he’s unlikely to intervene with frantic protests, instead, he’ll navigate the absurdity with a sense of duty, proceeding with caution as if trapped in a peculiar dream. “That’s precisely what I’m expected to accomplish.”
Discover the fascinating story behind Alexander Skarsgård’s enigmatic creature, including the meticulous process of crafting its voice and other intriguing behind-the-scenes secrets. But be warned: you may develop a rodent phobia as a result of the 5,000 rats involved in the filming will leave you squeamish with their gleeful chatter?
hits theaters December 25.
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