Robert Eggers sets an authentic Olde English Romeo and Juliet movie at Focus Features following a high-stakes studio bidding war. Get details!
Aclaimed director Robert Eggers (Nosferatu, The Witch) has officially set his next feature film, an authentic period adaptation of William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, in partnership with Focus Features. Focus Features secured the rights following a fierce multi-studio bidding war against A24, Sony Pictures, and Warner Bros. The production, valued in the high tens of millions of dollars, will serve as Eggers' immediate follow-up to his medieval werewolf horror film Werwulf. The adaptation will see actors speaking in traditional Olde English dialogue to match the director's signature historical commitment.
What Is the Story of Robert Eggers' Romeo and Juliet?
Written by William Shakespeare in the 1590s, Romeo and Juliet stands as one of the most famous tragedies in literary history. Eggers' version promises an uncompromising historical approach to the source material.
- The Core Feud: Set in Renaissance-era Verona, Italy, the narrative follows Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet, two young lovers caught between their warring families.
- Historical Authenticity: Eggers plans to utilize authentic Olde English dialogue, mirroring his previous work on period pieces like The Witch and Werwulf.
- Cinematic Precedents: Shakespeare's tragedy has received numerous screen adaptations over the decades, notably Franco Zeffirelli's 1968 classic and Baz Luhrmann's 1996 modern-day reimagining Romeo + Juliet starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes.
How Did Focus Features Win the Bidding War for Romeo and Juliet?
The acquisition marks another major milestone in the ongoing creative relationship between Eggers and Focus Features.
- A Multi-Studio Battle: Industry reports confirm that Focus Features successfully outbid rival studios including A24, Sony, and Warner Bros. in a competitive multi-million dollar package deal.
- Past Collaborations: Focus Features previously distributed Eggers' historical epic The Northman, his gothic horror remake Nosferatu, and handled international distribution for The Lighthouse.
- The Werwulf Connection: The studio is also financing and distributing Eggers' upcoming folk-horror picture Werwulf, which stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Willem Dafoe, and Lily-Rose Depp.
When Will Robert Eggers Begin Filming Romeo and Juliet?
Production on Romeo and Juliet will commence after Eggers completes the theatrical release cycle for his upcoming horror feature Werwulf.
- Werwulf Release Window: Focus Features will release Werwulf in theaters on Christmas Day, December 25, 2026.
- Production Schedule: With Werwulf locked for its holiday release, casting and pre-production for Romeo and Juliet are anticipated to pick up in early 2027.
Explore feature films directly on the Focus Features Catalog or review classic adaptations via Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.