Bill Skarsgård has recently captured the imaginations of horror enthusiasts with his portrayal of Count Orlok in the new Nosferatu remake. However, it’s intriguing to consider that the film’s director, Robert Eggers, had three other acclaimed actors in mind for this iconic role before settling on Skarsgård. This reimagining pays homage to the original 1922 silent classic, which starred German actor Max Schreck. Interestingly, prior to being cast as the titular vampire, Skarsgård initially auditioned for Nicholas Hoult’s character, Thomas Hutter.
In an interview with the Swedish film outlet Moviezine, Skarsgård shared insights on the early casting process, revealing that several prominent actors were considered for the role of Count Orlok. He mentioned acclaimed talents such as Daniel Day-Lewis, Mads Mikkelsen, and his own co-star, Willem Dafoe, who was originally slated for the Count before stepping into the role of Professor Albin Eberhart Von Franz. Skarsgård noted:
I know he (Eggers) talked about Daniel Day-Lewis. And for a while it was Willem Dafoe who was going to play him, when I was cast as Thomas. And Mads Mikkelsen…
Implications of Eggers’ Original Choices for Count Orlok
All Three Alternatives Were Notable Contenders
Willem Dafoe’s initial consideration for Count Orlok is particularly intriguing, considering his previous portrayal in 2000’s Shadow of the Vampire, where he played a fictionalized version of Max Schreck. His performance was lauded, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. This background could have made Dafoe’s version of Orlok reminiscent of his earlier role, potentially overshadowing Eggers’ fresh approach.
Both Day-Lewis and Mikkelsen also present captivating alternatives for the role. Mikkelsen, known for his sinister portrayal of Hannibal Lecter, already has a reputation for playing dark characters and is frequently mentioned as a fan-favorite choice for a future adaptation of Dracula. Conversely, Day-Lewis’s potential involvement could have been a remarkable addition, especially since he was once considered for the role of Lestat in the 1994 adaptation of Interview With the Vampire, which ultimately went to Tom Cruise.
Skarsgård: The Right Fit for Eggers’ Vision
Eggers Made a Prudent Choice
Eggers’ decision to cast Skarsgård as Count Orlok rather than Thomas Hutter appears to be a judicious one, especially given Skarsgård’s track record with horror characters, which adds depth to his portrayal. While Dafoe is undeniably skilled in embodying complex dark roles, his past involvement with Orlok might detract from Eggers’ innovative take on the character. Ultimately, transitioning Skarsgård to the role of Count Orlok allowed for a refreshing new interpretation of this classic figure in horror cinema.
For those interested in further details about the casting process and the film’s background, you can visit Moviezine and see more extensive analyses of these captivating choices.
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