Q&A: Robert Eggers and Willem Dafoe reunite for 'Nosferatu'

LOS ANGELES (AP) — When Willem Dafoe enjoys working with a filmmaker, he’ll often jump at the chance to do it again.

The list of directors with whom the 69-year-old has worked with more than once is extensive, including Wes Anderson,Yorgos Lanthimos,Paul Schrader,Lars von Trier and, now for a third time, Robert Eggers. “If it’s good, you come back,” Dafoe said plainly.

The pair spoke with The Associated Press about Eggers’ adaptation of “Nosferatu” that hits theaters Wednesday, some of the challenges they faced making “The Lighthouse” — their first project together released in 2019 — and the unique relationship that exists between actors and directors.

The interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.

DAFOE: I want to meet you and I want to know who this filmmaker is.

DAFOE: Well, if it’s good, you come back. When I saw “The Witch,” I thought, “Wow, this is a film about a period that I’m not particularly knowledgeable about, but I enter it so easily. This is relevant. It’s rooted. It’s my story. I’m with these people.”

That’s quite an incredible trick because a lot of period films, they’re always pointing to themselves. They’re always sending messages. They’re always showing. This had a kind of energy and the kind of physicality and sensuality that I thought, “Who does this? I gotta see this guy.” And then I had a wonderful experience in “The Lighthouse” and I played a part that was really fun in “The Northman.” So, when he wants to do this passion project and offers me this beautiful role of Professor Von Franz, I say, “Of course.”

EGGERS: Yeah, I mean, I don’t see how you could have anyone else but Willem Dafoe in this role.

EGGERS: That’s pretty tough. But since you might ask about it, I do love “Shadow of the Vampire,” where he plays Max Schreck. When I first saw “Nosferatu” as a 9-year-old, the VHS I had was made from a degraded 16-millimeter print and there was a kind of magic to it because it felt unearthed from the past and it felt, like, real. And when you watch the restored versions of “Nosferatu,” you can see Max Schreck’s bald cap and the greasepaint of his makeup. But in the version that I saw, he seemed like a real vampire, and that’s how a lot of people experienced “Nosferatu.” And so there was a legend that Max Schreck was a real vampire. And so, Willem Dafoe, in “Shadow of the Vampire,” plays Max Schreck as a real vampire. And it is an incredible performance.

EGGERS: It takes time to build trust for sure. But that instinct for me actually was really that first meeting. I was kind of blown away that one of my heroes wanted to meet with me. But then the conversation became really easy, quickly. And now I kind of know when I’m having a meeting with an actor, if it goes like that, there’s a good thing here, you know? And if I’m very aware of like their celebrity and it becomes like a thing, it’s not going to go well.

DAFOE: We had a lot in common. There was a language he spoke about performing, about creating things. I understood it. I thought, “I’m home,” you know? And as far as the trust, there’s always unforeseen challenges and difficulties. And then you see how they field them, and that’s how you build trust. So clearly, something like “The Lighthouse” had its challenges. Thank God. I love a challenge. Otherwise, you tend to, you know, lose your way or think outside of the frame too much. And look, he’s a nice, sweet guy, but he’s really concentrated. And I like that. That kind of discipline, that kind of passion. It makes my work that I do valuable because then I want to do his bidding. I want to, you know, be an extension of him.

(Both laugh)

DAFOE: I would say a scene where I’m buried alive, I’m speaking poetic language, and it’s really cold, cold, cold. But you know what? All those elements I love because they push me to a place that I’ve never been before. And it’s not just about overcoming obstacles. It’s really about getting outside of yourself and getting beyond your experience and having something happen to you that’s meaningful and curious and taps into a sense of wonder. That’s what you’re looking for. So sometimes you’ve got to push it. And he’s responsible. It’s not like he beats me up or anything. But that’s a good example of something that’s tough.

EGGERS: Yeah. I mean, I think Willem is not in it for the Oscars but he certainly deserves one for sure.

Robert Eggers arrives at the premiere of "Nosferatu" on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024, at TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

This image released by Focus Features shows director Robert Eggers on the set of "Nosferatu." (Focus Features via AP)

This image released by Focus Features shows Willem Dafoe in a scene from "Nosferatu." (Focus Features via AP)

Willem Dafoe, from left, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Emma Corrin, Robert Eggers, Lily-Rose Depp, Bill Scarsgard, and Nicholas Hoult arrive at the premiere of "Nosferatu" on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024, at TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

This image released by Focus Features shows Willem Dafoe, left, and Lily-Rose Depp in a scene from "Nosferatu." (Focus Features via AP)

This image released by Focus Features shows Willem Dafoe in a scene from "Nosferatu." (Focus Features via AP)

Willem Dafoe arrives at the premiere of "Nosferatu" on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024, at TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

The first stage of Mohamed Salah’s rehabilitation at Liverpool is complete after the Egypt forward returned to the team for its 2-0 win over Brighton in the Premier League on Saturday.

The question now as Salah heads off to the Africa Cup of Nations: Is there a future for him at Anfield when he comes back?

Salah, who let rip last weekend about his current frustrations at Liverpool, entered as a 26th-minute substitute to a big ovation and set up the second of Hugo Ekitike’s goals as the defending champion extended its unbeaten run to five games in all competitions.

Also Saturday, Chelsea beat Everton 2-0 and was set on its way to victory by Cole Palmer’s first goal in three months. First-place Arsenal hosts last-place Wolverhampton later.

Salah held talks with Liverpool manager Arne Slot on Friday in an effort to overcome their issues and the result was that Salah was recalled to the matchday squad for the Brighton game. He had been a substitute for the last three Premier League matches before being left at home for the midweek Champions League trip to Inter Milan as a punishment for his explosive comments to reporters last weekend.

“It was an easy decision to put him in the squad," Slot said. “I have said many times before what has been said between us will stay between us.”

Liverpool's fans demonstrated they are willing to excuse Salah for his show of anger and gave him a rapturous welcome when he came on as a substitute for the injured Joe Gomez midway through the first half.

By then, Liverpool was leading 1-0 thanks to Ekitike's rising shot inside the first minute and Salah showed glimpses of his class, especially on the counterattack. It was Salah's corner kick that was headed in by Ekitike for the second goal in the 60th, sparking another round of chants for the Egyptian.

Slot said Salah was a threat all game.

“Pleasing to see but not a surprise,” Slot said.

Salah could be away for more than a month if Egypt goes all the way in the Africa Cup.

It was a second straight start for Palmer, whose season has been blighted by a groin injury that has restricted him to seven games in all competitions.

There looked to be nothing wrong with Palmer when he ran onto Malo Gusto's pass and slipped a finish inside the near post to give Chelsea the lead in the 21st minute at Stamford Bridge.

However, Palmer said after the game that he wasn't at his best yet because he was “still dealing with an injury.”

“It’s just a matter of not doing too much too soon,” Palmer told the BBC. “Literally, it’s just a day-by-day thing. Hopefully it gets better.”

Gusto added the second goal in the 45th minute for Chelsea, which jumped to fourth place.

Steve Douglas is at https://twitter.com/sdouglas80

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Chelsea's Cole Palmer celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Chelsea and Everton in London, Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (Adam Davy/PA via AP)

Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Brighton and Hove Albion in Liverpool, England, Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

Liverpool fans hold placard depicting Liverpool's Mohamed Salah before the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Brighton and Hove Albion in Liverpool, England, Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

Liverpool's Mohamed Salah, left, challenges for the ball with Brighton's Lewis Dunk during the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Brighton and Hove Albion in Liverpool, England, Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Jon Super)