Bill Skarsgård reveals his upcoming 'Nosferatu' role awakened a demon within: 'It took it's toll'

Nosferatu hits theaters December 25. (Images via X)

Bill Skarsgard is an absolute chameleon. A chameleon who has an adept understanding of the horror genre.

Many movie fans were introduced to Bill Skarsgård through his role as Pennywise the Dancing Clown in 2017's "It" and its 2019 follow-up. While he is undeniably handsome, what truly stands out is his knack for transforming his charm into something sinister and frightening. This talent has been a hallmark of his various roles to date, and it appears that his portrayal in "Nosferatu" might elevate this skill even further.

In a new Esquire interview discussing his roles in two forthcoming films where he portrays undead characters, including The Crow releasing on June 7, Bill Skarsgård reveals the unique challenges he faced embodying Nosferatu's titular vampire. Directed by Robert Eggers—known for “The Witch” (2015), “The Lighthouse” (2019), and “The Northman” (2022)—the film reimagines the 1922 silent classic, itself inspired by Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Skarsgård, who has been friends with Eggers since 2015, was considered for various roles in Nosferatu as the long-gestating project moved toward production.

Eggers' adaptation is slated for a Christmas release and features a star-studded cast including Nicholas Hoult, Lily-Rose Depp, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Emma Corrin, Ralph Ineson, Simon McBurney, and Willem Dafoe.

Skarsgård takes on the role of Count Orlok, the vampire antagonist. While his costume and makeup are being kept under wraps, Skarsgård hints at a dramatic transformation: “He’s gross,” he describes the character, “but it's very sexualized. It’s playing with a sexual fetish about the power of the monster and what that appeal has to you. Hopefully you’ll get a little bit attracted by it and disgusted by your attraction at the same time.”

Director Eggers was absolutely in awe of Skarsgård's commitment: I remember early on, [Skarsgård] trying to talk to me about what it meant to be a dead sorcerer — and I’m into some pretty heavy occult sh*t, but he was on a different level,” he said. “I was like, ‘This sounds accurate, but I don’t know how to converse about this with any fluidity.’” Eggers remarked.

Skarsgård is also involved in the remake of “The Crow”, directed by Rupert Sanders. The Swedish actor will be taking on the role of Eric, a man who is resurrected to seek vengeance for the deaths of himself and his girlfriend.