Rogert Eggers’ minimalist horror film The Witch took everyone by surprise when it released in 2016, going on to become one of the year’s very best.
Ditching a lavish budget and CG-laden scares, the genre piece was rooted in the New England wilderness of the 1600s where, after being cast out from the church, a rural farmer set about building a new life on a plot of land for him and his family. But what he didn’t realize is that his newfound home was situated on hallowed ground, evoking the wraith of an ancient, malevolent spirit.
Again, the film was a big hit and now, all eyes are on Eggers to see what he does next. While we heard that he was eyeing a Nosferatu remake, Deadline is reporting tonight that the director’s lining up a project called The Lighthouse, which is apparently a fantasy/horror pic that’s set “in the world of old sea-faring myths.” Production is set to get underway this spring, with A24 back on board after teaming with Eggers on The Witch.
But that’s not all, as Deadline also tells us that Robert Pattinson will star in the film, alongside Willem Dafoe. Details on their roles, and what exactly the plot will entail are being kept under wraps, but in a statement released earlier this week, the director said the following:
“I am extremely happy to be working with RT, A24, and Parts & Labor again. Along with New Regency, they are providing me and my collaborators with the support and freedom to make this film the way it needs to be made. It’s a privilege.”
Meanwhile, A24 said that they’re “beyond excited to be partnering again with Rob Eggers,” calling him “a true visionary and one of the great filmmakers of his generation.” Continuing on, they noted:
“This new script blew us away — it creates a totally unique and ambitious universe and manages to somehow feel scary, suspenseful, wondrous and beautiful all at the same time. We can’t wait to work with Rob and his team and our partners at RT Features, Parts & Labor and New Regency to help bring this story to life.”
Unfortunately, we don’t have much else to go on at the moment, but given that production is only a few months off, we should learn more about The Lighthouse in no time at all. And once we do, we’ll be sure to let you know.
