Robert Eggers Tackling ‘Romeo and Juliet’ Adaptation as Focus Wins Bidding War (Exclusive)

Focus Features is nearing a deal to adapt William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" into a film directed by Robert Eggers, following a bidding war with A24, Sony and Warner Bros., according to industry sources. This project adds to Focus' ongoing partnership with Eggers, who has previously helmed "Nosferatu," "The Northman," and the international releases of "The Witch" and "The Lighthouse."

The Hollywood Reporter initially broke the news that Eggers' adaptation will feature actors delivering the dialogue in Old English. As with "Nosferatu," Focus has plans to release "Werwulf" on Christmas Day in the United States, a move likely intended to capitalize on the success of Eggers' previous film, which earned nearly $182 million worldwide on a $50 million budget.

The outcome of "Werwulf" matching that financial and critical acclaim remains uncertain. In a 2025 interview, Eggers described "Werwulf" as "the darkest thing I've ever written by far," and the film's first trailer suggests it will continue to align with that claim. Consistent with his prior works, "Werwulf" is set in a distant past, specifically 13th-century England, and follows a cursed farmer (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) whose affliction leads to a horrific and existential journey, described by Focus as a "harrowing tale of devotion, damnation and the devil within." Eggers is represented by WME and Frankfurt Kurnit.