As production continues on Robert Eggers’ “Werwulf,” currently slated for a Christmas 2026 release, word has emerged that the film is being shot on 35mm film, Super 35, in a 1.37:1 aspect ratio.
Shooting on 35mm means the film will have a classic “film look,” with its characteristic grain, color rendition, and dynamic range. The 1.37:1 aspect ratio, also called the Academy ratio, is a nearly square frame. The best modern example of this approach, that I can think of, is another Eggers film, “The Lighthouse,” which was shot entirely in 1.19:1, an almost square frame. While slightly narrower than 1.37:1, it functions, visually, in the same way; extremely boxy, confined feeling.
Eggers’ regular cinematographer, Jarin Blaschke, will be returning for “Werwulf.” Unlike “The Lighthouse,” however, this film will be shot in color. The Hollywood Reporter originally noted that Eggers had planned to shoot the feature in black and white but ultimately decided to abandon that idea in favor of color.
“Werwulf,” described as a gothic horror epic, stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Lily-Rose Depp, Willem Dafoe, and Ralph Ineson. The film is said to take place in 13th-century England and, in typical Eggers fashion, will reportedly feature period-authentic dialogue and, presumably, an obsessive level of historical detail.
