Eggers is known for placing his films in meticulously detailed historical settings, often shunning modern elements
Robert Eggers is reportedly developing a new adaptation of A Christmas Carol, adding a darkly imaginative touch to Charles Dickens’ enduring holiday tale.
The Nosferatu and The Lighthouse director is said to be writing and directing the project with Warner Bros., with longtime collaborator Willem Dafoe in mind to play the iconic miser, Ebenezer Scrooge.
According to Deadline, while no casting negotiations are currently underway, Eggers is scripting the film with Dafoe specifically envisioned in the lead role. He will also produce the film alongside Chris and Eleanor Columbus under the Maiden Voyage banner.
The beloved Victorian novella follows Scrooge on a life-altering Christmas Eve, when he’s visited by the ghost of his late business partner Jacob Marley and the spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet To Come.
The story has been adapted numerous times for stage and screen, with Alastair Sim’s 1951 portrayal of Scrooge remaining a fan favourite. Other notable versions include Albert Finney’s Scrooge (1970), The Muppet Christmas Carol starring Michael Caine (1992), and Jim Carrey’s animated take in Disney’s 2009 performance-capture version.
Eggers is known for placing his films in meticulously detailed historical settings, often shunning modern elements. His filmography includes The Witch (set in 1630s New England), The Lighthouse (1890s), The Northman (Viking era), and Nosferatu (1830s Transylvania). Earlier this year, Eggers admitted he has no desire to make a contemporary film. “The idea of having to photograph a car makes me ill. And the idea of photographing a cellphone is just death,” he told Rotten Tomatoes. “To make a contemporary story you have to photograph a cellphone — it’s just how life is — so no.”
He added he may stretch as far as the 1950s, but World War II is the latest era he finds creatively inspiring. Eggers is also rumoured to direct a sequel to the 1986 fantasy cult classic Labyrinth for TriStar Pictures.
