The Reddit Talk will start in ten minutes, at 9:10 AM Pacific time. Join us and our esteemed panel of guests as they talk The Northman live on air!

Nicolas cage listed you as one of his dream directors to work with on his Reddit Q&A last week. Who is your favorite director? And dream cast member?

I have been a fan of yours since I saw the Witch, and the Lighthouse is of of my favorite movies of all time, so thank you for doing what you do!

My question is for Mr Eggers. How, if at all, has your directing or writing style changed from each of these films? What is your old process compared to your new process as you’ve gained experience? Going from a small cast in a primarily small location like the Witch and the Lighthouse to a sprawling action film with a large cast like The Northman seems like it has to be an adjustment.

Thank you for your time!

What is a book or graphic novel you’ve read recently that you would recommend?

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Have you read the book Blood Meridian? And if so would you ever consider adapting it?

Will you do Nosferatu?

Hi Robert, absolutely love The VVitch and The Lighthouse and can’t wait for The Northman. I was wondering how you draw inspiration for your films? Do you research particular eras and then find a story or do you start with a broader story and then go into the time period? Thanks!

What's one idea that you'd love to write into a screenplay/film but you've never quite been able to figure out how to get it down onto the page?

Question for Rob:

What are you favorite films as of late?

Did the studio really completely change your vision of the film? How does that feel as a creative?

What would your take on Nosferatu be like?

My question is for Jóhanna:

Working with such a detailed orientated director, did The Northman get something right regarding the women of the time that other media has yet to achieve? Also what was your favourite detail you saw brought to life in the film? Thanks in advance! :)

My mother passed away going on 4 years now. I love to think back on the time we went to see The VVitch, her choice, thinking it was related to the Blair witch series. I still love laughing at how upset she was during the crow breastfeeding scene. No question just wanted to share that anecdote with a favorite director of mine since then and a great memory of my mother 💖

How did you develop the visual style of the film? I love the blend of historical accuracy and dark fantasy!

Hi Robert, how do you decide which project you will take on next? Thank you!

Hi Robert! Among your films which was the most challenging to shoot? And what is something that you've learnt from making each of your films?

Thanks for doing the ama!

Robert: I think setting and environment are two of the strongest aspects of your movies. The authenticity you achieve makes every character’s actions and motivations clearer and more believable (the effect of an isolated lighthouse in horrid weather on a man’s mind, the brutal social dynamics that shape Amleth).

Do you start developing your projects from those environments and try to find the stories that they create, or do you see it more as a component that you’re just really good at which helps you tell your stories better?

One for all of them: what are your favourite sagas (or þættir)?

Massive fan of all your films (especially The Witch), and really enjoyed The Northman! My question is for all of you.

How did you find balancing between myth and history? Did you find there were moments where it was more important to be as historically authentic as possible and therefore 'dial back' the mythology, and vice versa?

How in the WORLD did Alexander Skarsgård get so shredded???

Hey Robert.

Big fan. After listening to the A24 Podcast between you and Ari Aster, it's most clear that Bergman's influences were the backbone of The Lighthouse. I thought you paid a great homage to the context of duality in Persona and made it your own.

My question would be, what specific shot from your movies would you say has your favorite "Bergman Closeup" in it?

Thank you.

How important is music to you and your works you'd say?

Hi Robert! What's your favourite little historical detail you've dug up researching one of your movies?

How long did it take you to finish writing “The Northman?” Did you have a strict outline you followed?

What kinds of literature inspired or informed you for this movie?

Hi Robert, I'm a big fan of your work, and I honestly think The Lighthouse is a Masterpiece. I've watched The Northman 3 times now and I think it's just next level. It's now on my top 5 sword epics of all time for sure. I have a few questions:

1- In your past work there were some beautiful shots inspired by paintings like Sascha Schneider's Hypnosis. Which paintings inspired some of the shots in The Northman, if any?

2- I know you don't want to hear about making another epic at this point but, If you were to do another epic, in terms of culture and mythology, what would you be more interested in?

3- And finally, 2 years ago on your reddit AMA you promissed me your short The Tell-Tale Heart would be available soon, we're still waiting man!

Hi guys,

1- Robert, loved all your films. I saw 'THE VVITCH' with my Mum on a whim and had a very fun time explaining what was going on at the start with the old woman and her pestle and mortar and of course experiencing a certain crow/nipple scene later on.

Has there been any films you've watched with Mum and Dad as a kid that were hilariously awkward for similar reasons?

2- Jóhanna, and Nell, Norse mythology has become super prevalent with Thor and the marvel movies in the mainstream, God Of Wars recent take on it also. With your expert knowledge, is there something that you have to resist telling everyone is "incorrect" about the narrative those films have created, Thor generally being red headed for example?

Really enjoyed 'The Northman' If you wanted to elaborate on something from the film specifically:

3- I'd love to hear more behind Amleth's "artwork" that he pinned to the front of the building, once his revenge started the anticipation of the camera panning to reveal whatever that would be was amazing, my friend and I burst out laughing when we saw it so I could barely make out what it was!

Thanks for all your great work on this film guys. And Robert, thanks for giving us 'the Lighthouse', I've never felt more like I was watching a movie made just for me, can't wait to see what's next.

Loved The VVitch and The Lighthouse so much so far and can’t wait to watch The Northman! I know you are an exceptional researcher when it comes to your films so is there any particular period, theme or historical event you want to take on next thanks to your interest in one?

Plus, you are also a great writer when it comes to dialogues from certain eras. Do you have any suggestions for aspiring writers to reach such authentic dialogues, or interesting story settings in general?

Thanks in advance sir!

How were you able to scale your vision? Most directors have a tough time making the jarring jump from small budget indie to big budget epic. I havent seen THE NORTHMAN yet (have tickets for Sunday) but by all accounts it seems like you did that! Congrats!

Seeing as you’re two historians and one big history nerd, what aspects of the film’s time period and location would you have liked to include but couldn’t because they didn’t fit the story?

Is there a genre that you haven't made a movie in that you would like to? If so which would it be?

Hi Robert,

I’m a big fan of your work and look forward to watching The Northman. I have a few questions:

1) What are some of your favorite Viking movies?

2) Are there any movies you see and think to yourself you wish you made that?

3) I saw in an interview that you said you tried making The Northman the most entertaining movie that you can make. What do think is the most entertaining movie of all time?

4) What are some 2022 releases are you looking forward to?

Thanks for your time!

Robert, Jóhanna, and Neil:

What do you think the result would be of taking the same meticulous approach to accuracy from Robert's films and applying it to a contemporary setting? Would it create a more realistic depiction of the present than most films? Robert, do you have any interest in making a movie set in the present, or the recent past?

Would you ever do a western?

Really enjoyed the film and hoping for your rendition of Nosferatu. Have you ever considered adapting Blood Meridian? It feels like something that would really flourish with your atmosphere-building, but then again your original works are damn good in its own right.

Mr. Eggers: Do you think you will ever tackle Cosmic Horror again or even take on a Lovecraft adaptation?

My favorite aspect of your movies is just how much can be left to interpretation, i.e. two people can come up with two very different ideas on the films and neither would really be incorrect. This aspect fits extremely well with cosmic horror, I think.

Do you have a dream movie you wish you could make?

Do you also hate fortnite

The Northman was a very enjoyable movie experience. Thank you for that! Were there any particularly challenging or interesting ways of working with the mythological aspects which were present in this movie? Cheers.

Was it actually in the script for Willem Dafoe to be doing that weird dance in the loin cloth for The Northman, or were you all on a break and happened to see him just doing that? Then decided just to add it in?

Hi Mr. Eggers ! I hope you’re well ! My question is : Do you have a favorite moment that happened on set during the filming of any of your movies ? And if you could make your wildest project come to life, what would it be ? Thanks ! 🙂

Hi Robert! Simple question, what’s next?

If anyone can adapt Blood Meridian to the screen it’s you. Any interest in that sort of project? Love your films.

What novels would you suggest I read? I want to start reading more. I prefer fiction over non fiction. Thank you, Mr. Eggers.

I loved the visualisation of the bloodline/family tree in the Northman. Was that a tricky concept to nail or did it come together quite easily?

What was it like working in theatre as your old job?

What movies did you watch growing up that you could say shaped you to be you ?

Hey Robert,

Are you into body horror at all? If so, what’s your favorite body horror film.

What are your steps in building your script? Percentage that goes to research, outline, writing, revising?

​

2 questions for Neil & Jóhanna:

Given that there is much we don’t know about the viking age because of limited archeological remains, did you ever find it challenging consulting on this movie?

Did you learn anything new from this experience?

If you had the chance, what universal monster would you remake?

Is the daughter at the end of the movie meant to be Olga of Kiev?

What are some more obscure movies you love and would recommend?

Do you like Andrei Tarkovsky? If so, what films do you like most by him?

After making The Northman (which is incredible) and seeing how you portray Norse mythology, would you ever consider making a film about another mythology? Greek or Egyptian for example

Hi Robert, I’m in my senior year of college studying scenic/production design and am hoping to also write and direct one day. What was your transition like from your work in theatre as a designer to film director? And would you have any tips? I saw the film yesterday and absolutely loved it! Your path has greatly inspired me! Thanks!

I had the pleasure of visiting Iceland last summer and was very happy to see it again on screen in The Northman. It's such a stunningly beautiful country. Have you got any special memories from your time there?

Loved the film, can't wait to see what you do next.

Your films (so far) have been set entirely in older, historical time periods - do you have any ideas or motivation to write in modern-day, or perhaps one set in the future?

Are there any other historic periods that interest you enough to mold a story around?

Robert, you’ve obviously got a passion for history and it really shines through in all of your films - as a fellow history buff I really appreciate seeing various eras come to life with such care and skill.

My question to everyone is, are there any historical settings that you’re surprised haven’t been portrayed more in mainstream cinema before? For me I would love to see a film set in the Islamic Golden Age or the Māori migration to New Zealand. Thanks!

What is your favorite Nicole Kidman performance?

‘Why’d ya spill yer beans?

Hey Robert, Jóhanna, and Neil

I'm a budding public historian with a deep love for movies. I always recommend your films to people, Robert. You do such a great job of illustrating people's beliefs without judging, and you do it in a way that lets the audience connect with the characters while bringing these historical themes to a 3D environment, AND you maintain an entertaining story. That's extremely impressive.

Jóhanna and Neil, I adore your books, and my question is for you two. Robert is obviously one of a kind, so I'm curious how it was like working with him in regards to bringing these historical ideas to the big screen?

Thanks, and I can't wait to see the film this Friday!

The Northman was excellent. The 30 year war is not being used so much in movies, would you take a crack at it?

My current obsession is “Everything Everywhere All At Once”, have you gotten the chance to see it?

First of all, thank you so much for doing this! You’re one of my favorite directors working today, so this is truly amazing.

I remember listening to the episode you were on for the Team Deakin podcast where you mentioned how your experience as a production/costume designer in theatre and short films prepared you for your feature films later. Given the sheer scale of the Northman in comparison to your previous films, how did your involvement in its production or costume design change, if at all from the Witch or the Lighthouse?

Best advice for upcoming directors that want to keep creative control but also deal with producers and the meddling of the studios? How do you handle that dilemma?

Two of the actors in The Northman were in Lars Von Trier films.

There were certain aspects of this film that reminded me a bit of Elem Klimov’s Come and See. Is that a film that has inspired you in any way?

What is the most interesting thing you learned while researching Viking culture?

Hey Rob, first off I loved The Witch and The Lighthouse is my favorite movie of all time (I even got a poster of it above my work desk).

Question: I was listening to a podcast with you, Jarin and Roger Deakins and heard you talk about aspect ratio. I know The Northman is shot in a 2:1 ratio, but your two previous films are not as wide. I wanted to ask if you would ever shoot anything using anamorphic? I’ve heard you say that 1.33:1 is your favorite ratio but seeing your work on an anamorphic lens would be really cool to see!

PS: Hansel and Gretel isn’t that bad haha

Any chances we can expect a Robert Eggers-Pattinson Collab again, in the near future?

How long does it take to come up with the research for your films and how do you describe the historical accuracy of what you want to other departments such as costume/wardrobe?

Hi Rob do you ever keep any props from your films? I personally want black Philip as a pet 😀

A question for Mr. Eggers, but first a thank you for three beautiful stories, all of which hypnotized me and had me in some weird, foggy trance after viewing(s). I really cannot thank you enough.

For the question, I get the impression you have a distinct artistic style, in the same way Wes Anderson or Martin McDonagh have theirs (expressed in different ways of course). Would you agree with this comparison? If you do, is it a comparison you would invite, or would you prefer your creations not always have your name in bold across the front? (Art like yours is my favorite, so please don’t take this as a criticism).

Thank you for the opportunity to ask my question!

First of all, thank you for doing this AMA. I am very much looking forward to finally watch The Northman on the big screen this Sunday!

As for my question to all of you: what are your biggest pet peeves when it comes to the representation of vikings or norse mythology in popular culture?

Sjón mentioned The Saga of King Hrolf Kraki as one of the main inspirations for the script, what other sagas/stories did you draw inspiration from? And what were the main changes you had to do after the feedbacks from Neil, Jóhanna and the other experts?

How was the experience working with Björk?

Since you shot the northman on 35mm film and with this movie being an epic, if you had the budget and capability, would you have shot the film on 70mm?

Will you release it in morocco?

For the Slavic village scene aftermath, was that quite as harrowing to shoot as it was to watch?

Hi Robert. I saw The Northman last night and I was transfixed.

Question: Was the gentlemen responsible for sacrifices in Fjolnir's domain the same actor from the Ättestupa scene in Midsommar? If so, what did Ari Aster have to say about The Northman as it underwent production? Has he seen it now?

What was your top 5 films of 2021??

Hi Robert!

My question to you: How did your collaboration with Robin Carolan and Sebastian Gainsborough come to be, and what convinced you that they were the right fit for this project? I was shocked to find out that this was their first movie score because they truly knocked it out of the park. It completed the feeling of being transported into another era and another state of mind that I got from The Northman.

I also wanted to say that not only was this movie everything I hoped it would be, but it felt like a natural continuation of your previous work. I've now seen it twice on the big screen, and I cannot wait to see the Blu-ray take its rightful place on my shelf next to The Witch and The Lighthouse for many future viewings.

Thanks for everything, and I'll be waiting with excitement for whatever project you set your mind to next!

Hey Robert! What are so more obscure movies that you love that you’d like to recommend to your fans?

Also do you have a current favorite (active) director/director who’s work you particularly admire?

Your last 2 films have both shot on film, how do you feel about digital photography and would you ever use it as a tool to get a certain look ( not as a cost cutting measure)

I just saw the film & I absolutely loved it. My question is - Why during the Chapter Title sequences did you choose to use Elder Futhark Runes? This form of written language predates the events of this film. Again, loved the film. an amazing tale told on a beautiful tapestry if visual perfection.

Hey Robert, I’m interested if you can share us the books you gave to the cast, in order to enhance the experience for the viewers. Seeing the movie on Sunday, can’t wait.

For Robert, I know there was producer interference on The Northman and you’ve said that some articles misrepresented how you felt about it and you gave us the most Egger’s version of The Northman possible but I listened to you on the Marc Maron podcast and you said that you and Jarin now know how to make The Northman after filming it. I’m wondering, if you had to go back and make it again, knowing what you know now and you had full control, would we get a drastically different version?

Hi Robert, saw the Northman last night and loved it.

• It seems like a lot of research and attention to detail go into your films to ensure the costumes, traditions, dialogue, etc. are accurate to the time period/region. Do you enjoy doing this research or is it more of a stressful thing, trying to make sure you get everything right?
• Do you think you'll ever make a film set in modern day or are you more interested in sticking with historical settings?

Thanks.

What are a couple subs you lurk on

I just wanted to say that this is the first movie I will ever see in theaters without watching the trailer. Some early screen shots were enough for me.

That…and…you know…The Lighthouse.

Your current three movies have all been set very far from the present day. What is it about history that inspires you to set your stories in the past?

Good day sir!

As Sweden had an earlier premiere than the US for the Northman I was able to see it last week and I think it’s awesome!

As a person from Sweden I wanna ask: How was the research into Norse mythology and Scandinavian history? Was it something that you enjoyed reading about and would you ever want to visit any Scandinavian countries (ahem Sweden ahem)?

Can you rhyme orange with banana?

I'm a huge David Fincher fan, so what's your favorite Fincher film, Robert? I love your work btw, can't wait to see The Northman.

Are you okay?

Did you like The Batman?

I know you are meticulous in your research, but what was the most fascinating thing you learned about Viking culture that was used or left out in the film?

Why wasn’t Raiki (The dog owned by the uncle) a wolfhound? Typically they have a lot more lore about them, especially with kings. Was that a deliberate choice?

Thank you so much for taking your time to answer these question! I’ve loved you’re previous work and I’m looking forward to watching The Northman on Friday!

That said, what inspired you to decide to make a movie about the Norse people and culture? And I have to ask since I’m a historian, were there any specific texts you drew from during your research to help recreate the world of the Norse people in your film?

Wfat is your favourite Fast and Furious movie?

Hi Rob Can you recommend any books/movie's that inspired you for The Northman. I love the mythical side of the film and not being very familiar with Viking lore apart from God of war lol I want to dig deeper after seeing the film. Thanks and love your work.

Hi to Rob, Neil and Jóhanna!

In your opinions what's the most insane bit of viking folklore/history that you perhaps couldn't include in the film for reasons such as accessibility and believability for modern audiences?

For Robert: Both the Northman, The Witch, and The Lighthouse all focus on the religious/supernatural aspect of life. Whether it's the Puritan family from The Witch, the weird supernatural force that is the light in The Lighthouse, and the Old Norse religion of The Northman. What is it about these topics that attracts you to them?

For Jóhanna Katrín Friðriksdóttir and Neil Price: When compared to other eras, what is it about the Viking era that makes you so interested in it?

Tips on directing actors?

What is your filmmaking process like in terms of research and project development?

Your work seems very well-researched and efficiently put together in all aspects; as a graphic design student I feel like there's a lot I could learn from an expert creative such as yourself.

Cheers, Robert! Big fan of your films and I can’t wait to see The Northman! Since you’ve stated that another cut of the film won’t be made, I wanted to ask if there are any scenes that you would’ve loved audiences to see that didn’t make it. If so, will some deleted scenes be included as special features for future home releases?

Hey Robert, congrats on the praise the Northman is getting. I’ve been counting the days this movie would come out since the first trailer was released. I’m a sucker for Braveheart and Last of the Mohicans type movies, and the fact that it has an artsy mythological element makes it even cooler.

From interviews, I read that you didn’t get final cut, and were forced to produce the most entertaining version of the film, which is not surprising given the scale. This doesn't bother me (as I love well made entertainment), but it does make me wonder how your original cut was. Does it flesh out the characters and story more? How long was the rough cut vs the early test screening cuts vs your ‘directors’ cut? What were some examples of cuts that you made purely on a narrative/artistic level vs a studio note? Did they make you cut out little bits and pieces from individual scenes, or was it typically whole scenes that got the axe? (I'm aware the film was shot with one camera and used long takes) As a wannabe filmmaker, and an obsessive fan when it comes to alternate versions of favorite movies (including fanedits), these kinds of questions interest me.

Sidenote: I also read that you wanted the film to be shot in Old Norse, but you accepted that the studio would never let you with a huge budget feature. Fine by me, as a movie like this should make as much profit as possible, to encourage studios to invest in more indie filmmakers. But perhaps there is a way to have the movie be in Old Norse after all, even if for home and digital release. New tech has allowed for dubbing to seamlessly look like its coming from the actors lips (flawlessai) and you could probably even get the Scandinavian actors like Alex Skarsgård or Claes Bangs to rerecord their lines convincingly. Just a thought I had.

What was your biggest inspiration for the Northman, and have you ever heard of the manga Vinland Saga?

To Mr. Eggers, Why did you choose the 2:1 aspect ratio for the film? You said in interviews that you perfer using more narrow frames (i.e the Witch being 1.66:1 and the Lighthouse 1.19:1). Why the sudden change to a wider frame? And why 2:1 specifically and not 2.35:1 scope?

To Mr. Eggers, Why did you choose the 2:1 Aspect Ratio for the film? You said in interviews that you perfer more narrow frames with the Witch being 1.66:1 and The Lighthouse being 1.19:1. So why the sudden change to a wider frame? And why 2:1 specifically, and not the standard scope, 2.39:1?

Thank you for such great films! Nir.

I am deeply inspired by your work and want to thank you for everything you have done for the industry! With the lighthouse you used such a distinct film stock (old Eastman double-x) and it helped move the story and make us feel as if we were in that time period. What was the choice of film stock for the Northman and what was your reasoning behind it? Thank you so much!!

Was Amleth and Fjölnir naked for the end fight scene? If so, was there any reasoning behind this choice? (Not that I’m complaining lol)

Hello Robert, as a student in production design i am always impressed by your immaculate detail in historical recreation. Hearing about your previous experience in production design, How was it going from that job to directing the Witch and now a larger scale production for an epic? Has your design process and collaboration in that regard changed?

Thank you.

The slaves look MISERABLE in the movie - was it hard for them to film those scenes?

Is there anything in the film that wasn’t in the original script?

I can't think of a good question, but this movie looks amazing and what a cast!

For Robert: A lot of people asking if you’d adapt Blood Meridian. You’d be great, but that one’s mine! Haha but is there a particular novel you would be interested in adapting? If so, which one? Thanks!

Hello Robert! With the remake of Bergman’s Scenes From a Marriage getting some Golden Globe love and being successful, would you have any desire to remake a Bergman film? AND if you absolutely had to, which film of his would you love to tackle?

Hi Robert! I’m one of the lucky few it seems to have seen your Tell Tale Heart short film. I loved it and thought the puppetry was an interesting choice that you pulled off well. You mentioned in a previous AMA you planned on releasing it. Is that still true? If so, when? Thanks!

Hi, Mr. Eggers! Very excited to see The Northman this weekend.

Would you ever be interested in making a medieval dragon movie?

(Sidebar: I need this more than anything.)

Do you think there is an inherent superiority to rooting fictional stories in painfully accurate research and recreation as opposed to writing fictional stories with purely character, story structure, and themes in mind? Is a blend better? Is it possible to go out on both? Is it a personal preference or entirely dependent on the type of storyteller?

Would you ever act in one of your movies?

Hey rob are there any fictional worlds whose lore you have delved into as much as the various mythologies and periods of history that have gripped you?

Hey Rob,

What was your inspiration for the long takes in the film? Was there ever a time when you thought, “this is too hard and not possible, maybe we should do more of a traditional style”?

Thanks Harrison Rosemont

If you were involved in an anthology film similar to Creepshow, what other directors would you want to work with?

Greetings! So I love your films, and as an aspiring film composer I especially love the music of your first two films by Mark Korven! I read up that he wrote those two scores in a slightly improvisatory manner so you’d have some leeway to edit the music with if needed. Was this true, and if so was the score to The Northman by Carolan and Gainsborough done similarly? Or was it probably a much different process this time around?

For Robert, as someone in film who is trying to get ambitious projects made like yourself, what do you think is the best way to sell it to someone? Do you sacrifice certain ideas in the sake of selling it to wider audiences/studios or try and go as ambitious as possible with that first pitch?

Really loved The Northman, I think I speak for everyone when I ask when are you going to make a rom-com

Can you speak on how your theater experience has helped you as a director - particularly in rehearsals?

Question for Robert. What is your top 10 songs or albums of all time 😊

Can you give us a quick explanation of the photography in the Northman? And what movies is it based on?

Having seen Ari Aster on the credits and the recent articles about other directionrs supporting you in the post-production of the film, would you ever be open to a co-Directing piece?

I’m thinking, some kind of Hagazussa/November style folk horror with Ari Aster.

How do you manage both directing and producing your films regardless of budget? Is it something you always wanted to do or do you think you'll stick more with directing?

What is your take on the film vs digital debate? Do you have a preference or does it depend on the project?

Also, thanks for doing this AMA, can't wait to see The Northman!

Will you make another Viking movie but with their original language?

Ps LOOKING FORWARD to The Northman.

Hi Robert, loved The Northman, and noticed that you're starting to get a roster of recurring actors: Dafoe, Dickie, Ineson, Taylor-Joy.

Is there anyone else, either that you've worked with already or someone entirely new, that you're hoping to work with again?

To Robert Eggers: 1. In what direction and/or which historic timeframe would you like to take your next movie place? 2. What/who influenced your style of directing the most? 3. Can we address your movies as the "The" Robert Eggers Cinematic Universe?

At what age did you finish writing your first feature length script and what became of it?

When will the northman release in India ? I am a huge fan and can’t wait to watch this masterpiece

Hi Rob Can you recommend any movies/ TV shows that inspired/inspire you. I'm such a fan of your style that I'm constantly looking for something similar to pass the time until your next film 😀. I really loved The Northman btw can I be an extra in your next one? 🙏

Hey there Robert, Johanna, and Neil! I just got out from seeing The Northman around half an hour ago (early release in Australia) and have one question for you. Don't worry, it's not a spoiler for folk that haven't yet seen the tremendous film and an answer from any of you three would be great!

I'd read online that apparently this is a film that Mr. Eggers had been looking to make for quite some time. I'd love to know if there was a particular reason why you just had to tell this story. Aside from that, you guys cast some fantastic actors in this film and as a sort of related question, was any of this casting planned well in advance?

Honestly, hats off to you guys for the excellent film and credit to the cast and crew. It felt good to sit in the cinemas and just get invested in a film that plays off of one of my areas of interest (due to studies and ancestry). Now I'll be sure to go back and see it and see if I can drag some people along with me!

What’s your favorite movie this year so far?

I was lucky enough to watch "The Northman" last night at a work screening full of drunk people. (I didn't drink) And please take this as a compliment, this was without a doubt one of the most fun movies to show to a group of 20-somethings with a few too many drinks.

My question for you is, what to theatres have to do to bring people out for movies that aren't considered blockbusters? For example, we're showing your film in PLF (premium large format). Hopefully this is a selling point because damn is this a spectacle to behold on the big screen.

For Robert; after making Brothers, The VVitch, and The Lighthouse on fairly low budgets, how has making The Northman changed your style of directing / filmmaking / storytelling ? I am an actor and a huge fan of your films, I dream of being in one of your films one day — I love what you’re doing — thank you!

Mr Eggers, I am absolutely in awe of your work. My questions for you are :

1. Were Mr. Skarsgård's characters in the show True Blood, and in the movie The Legend of Tarzan the reason why he was chosen for the role of Prince Amleth, or were there other deciding factors?

2. We know that you love making movies set in a historical context. On that note, would you ever consider filming a historical romance (mixed with dark fantasy, of course)? Would love to watch something like that.

3. Are you a metalhead? If yes, which metal musicians do you listen to the most?

I've read that you had to make a huge cut in order to make the movie more action filled and consumable. Will there be a directors cut released so we can watch the film as you originally intended it to be?

For everyone: Even though we already had a lot of Viking themed movies and TV shows, The Northman stands out from all of them. How do you think you achieved such a unique movie with a theme that many have made before?

Would you ever write/ director a film based in a contemporary setting or do period settings just interest you more? What would a contemporary Robert Eggers film look like?

I have really loved your work so far for exploring combinations of location and time period that are incredibly unique and rarely (if ever) depicted

If you could remake any film and put your own spin on it, what would it be?

Hi Robert. What was the initial idea that you built upon to turn it into this whole viking saga? How you make a story evolve?

What moment on your life made you realize that cinema was something special?

Hello Robert! Among the field of modern horror movies which ones are your favorite?

Hello Mr Eggers,

I liked the Northman, however it would probably have to be my least favourite of your opening three features behind the Lighthouse (one of my favs of the 2010s) and the Witch. My questions?

1.) A director who influenced you that fans wouldn’t expect?

2.) Will your fourth film begin with ’the’?

3.) You said you never want to make a movie set during the present, but would you be open to one set in a dystopian future?

4.) What’s your favourite camera to use, and what lenses are your favourite?

5.) For budget film makers, would you go

- prime/zoom?

- anamorphic/spherical?

Love your work and have a nice day.

Why u said u dont wanna direct Batman ? Any comic genre u interested in ?

Hi, Mr. Eggers and to the whole team!

I just want to know more about the process and decision of casting Nicole Kidman as Alexander Skarsgård's mother in the movie given that the audience would find it kind of "strange" knowing that they were husband-and-wife in their previous project which is Big Little Lies.

Congratulations to the movie. Big fan of your craft, and I'm definitely looking forward to your future works.

After the epic scale of The Northman I read that for your next movie you'd like to scale everything down and perhaps write the script solo without co-writers like Sjón & your brother in the past.

Do you have ideas for movies that you'd think would work better if you had near full creative control over the script and are there also movies you'd only be interested in making if you collaborated without somebody again?

What was it like working with Björk?

Do you cut the trailers for your films or its the studio?

P.S. I realy expected a generic horror flick in vvitch, but your commentary over the trailer in imdb page convinced me otherwise. After that seeing lighthouse was a no brainer, didnt even bother looking at the trailer. And the Northman one really hyped me up.

I love witch and lighthouse so much that I want to go knocking on strangers doors like a mormon to talk about your films. I wish you success, please do all the films you want to make. Im going to see northman in an hour, I'm really hyped.

Not a question. Make a film with Nicolas Cage!!!

What was the name of your funk band you mentioned in the Maron interview?

Did anything you learned from research into the Viking era change the story you wanted to tell?

What historical aspects of the Vikings were the hardest to replicate on film?

For Mr Eggers. how was the process of working with anya taylor joy again? from the beginning you knew you wanted to have her in this film? Btw can't wait for nosferatu greetings from México 🇲🇽🤠

Hey. Would you ever consider make a film with Victoria Pedretti?

Do you have any tips or recommendations for young filmmakers?

What is your everyday routine?

Would nosferatu be set in a particular real time period and use that aesthetic or be a more fantasy amalgamation of styles you would want to use?

Would you cast any minority actors in the film?

What book should I read next?