#VF Hollywood

[b-skarsgard]

Bill Skarsgård on Remaking Nosferatu and the Pressure of “F--king With a Masterpiece”

The actor on Pennywise, Count Orlok, and the lure of monstrous characters.

(for those who weren’t able to read the article due to a paywall the full interview is now under the cut)

“I’ve always been a very happy monster.” So said Boris Karloff in 1962, looking back at three decades of creatures, ghouls, and killers that defined so much of his life onscreen. Bill Skarsgård hasn’t been at it nearly as long, but his tendency to play supernatural and terrifying figures suggests that, like his fiendish predecessor, he’s made peace with monstrosity.

The blockbusters It and It: Chapter 2 made him a horror icon as Pennywise the Dancing Clown, carrying on a long tradition in his Swedish acting family—which includes his father, Stellan, and older brothers Alexander and Gustaf—of playing haunting roles in hair-raising films. Since Pennywise, Bill has specialized in sinister, scene-stealing parts, from a high-society sociopath in John Wick: Chapter 4 to his recent turn as the otherworldly avenger of this year’s reboot of The Crow. His latest turn finds him playing the vampiric title character in Nosferatu, from The Witch and The Lighthouse filmmaker Robert Eggers, in a collaboration that brings an ominous new approach to the bat-faced antagonist of the 1922 silent film.

For Vanity Fair’s 2025 Hollywood Issue, he talked about touching the void and more.

Vanity Fair: We spoke years ago when you were about to start filming It, and you talked about the challenges of inhabiting an inhuman monster.

Bill Skarsgård: That was the first time—and wouldn’t be the last time—that I was taking on this kind of iconic character that has been done before so well, and that people love and cherish. The whole journey of that was so weird. If I spoke to you after the production, I would’ve been much more confident that we had something that was very special, but in the process of it, I was just like, Why did he cast me? I can’t do this.

We did speak again afterward. You talked about going home to your parents’ house after you finished shooting and being plagued by dreams about the character.

Those dreams were so strange. Either I was confronting Pennywise and I was upset with him, yelling at him—or I was Pennywise, but I was walking around in the streets that I grew up on, and I’m like, No, no. I shouldn’t be out here in public walking around like this. This is not how it’s supposed to be done. It was this weird thing where I was trying to separate myself from this thing, literally back in the place that I grew up in, in the same apartment that I grew up in.

Count Orlok in Nosferatu also emerges from a deep, dark place. What was it like for you to take that particular emotional ice bath?

Count Orlok was very different than Pennywise in a lot of ways. Orlok was even further away from who I am than Pennywise was, in the sense that my voice, posture, age, the look of it, it was just so far out there. That became the challenge. Before putting on the prosthetics, we explored so many weird things and looked into butoh, this sort of Japanese corpse dancing. We explored so many trippy things.

Did you say “corpse dancing”?

Yeah, butoh is this Japanese corpse dance. It’s all these, kind of, mummified movement patterns. It’s spectacular. It brought this much more precise and much more rigid and slow movement. Basically the outfit and the prosthetics helped so much. The voice was what I worked the hardest on. I worked with an opera singer—she tried to get it as low as possible. My brother Gustaf came to set when we were shooting. He’s sitting there and he gets the headphones on and he hears [deep growling sounds] and is like, “What the fuck is going on?” It must have seemed very insane.

Since you come from an acting family, I wondered what role your dad and your brothers play in your decision-making process or in your professional life.

I don’t talk to them in the sense of like, “Hey, do you think I should do this thing or that thing?” Of course, subconsciously, they’re such a big part of my life. It’s hard to quantify how much effect they’ve had in terms of my taste or in terms of performances. It’s great to have their support, more so in life in general than acting itself. It’s nice to be able to talk to your family, just going, like, “Oh, this shoot was a nightmare because of this and this and this.” And they’re like, “Oh yeah, totally. Tell me about it.” The job, the profession of acting, can feel kind of lonely sometimes. It just feels nice to have so many people, close people, around you that truly know what it’s like.

Especially after Nosferatu, people are going to look at your work and see a lot of monsters and a lot of dark figures. Why do you think you’ve been drawn to these characters?

I think those characters are drawn to me as much as I’m drawn to them. It’s a mutual kind of attraction. The fact that they’re drawn towards me is a bunch of different reasons, everything from the way you look, you have a sensibility, there’s a darkness about you, or there’s an intensity.

And it’s something you enjoy too?

Even going back to some of the earlier stuff I did in Sweden, transformation has always been very appealing to me—and playing characters that are very different than me. I played a character that was autistic when I was 19, and I loved it. I had so much joy in it. He’s not a dark character, he’s a very sweet character. But you study, and you change your voice. With Pennywise, that became my ultimate transformation. I just really enjoyed it. Now with Orlok, I really enjoy transforming as much as I humanly can. I think that’s very exciting.

Do you feel a curiosity about the more dangerous side of human nature?

The darker characters also tend to be more complex. More mental gymnastics are needed. Again, with Orlok, it’s like, Okay, if it’s an ancient sorcerer that speaks from a different realm and possesses all of this power and knowledge, what makes power and knowledge ultimately corrupt a soul as opposed to creating a messiah?

Do you ever worry about getting typecast?

I definitely don’t want to exclusively play those kind of roles, but I’ve never seen the appeal of the classic star, a movie star. The difference between a movie star and an actor is that a movie star plays himself in every part, in a way. Whereas as an actor transforms. There are people that play themselves, and they’re brilliant every single time, but it’s the same thing and they have that shtick. For me, I just don’t think that I’m that charismatic or interesting, so I can’t just lean on that. I need to transform as far away from me as possible.

Do you feel a kinship with actors from the past, like, say, Lon Chaney or Boris Karloff, who played dark beings and often transformed their regular appearances?

It’s a great question. Yeah, I do. But that being said, it was never my particular goal to be the “creature actor,” if you will. There are so many [actors] I draw inspiration from. A lot of other actors that are not known for their intense transformations are some of my favorites as well. I haven’t really studied the greats of prosthetics or creature performances in that way. I’ve watched a lot of it, but I don’t watch performances for inspiration per se, because there’s always this thing of emulation that I don’t want to go down. For Orlok, predatory animals felt like a cleaner source of inspiration.

You mentioned earlier that, several times now, you’ve played a character that is well-known from a previous iteration, but you did it in a new and different way. Did you feel that again with Nosferatu?

Orlok is also Dracula. To me, in terms of iconic horror characters, the number one is Dracula/Nosferatu. It’s the most seminal work of literature in gothic horror for sure. I think it’s been adapted more than probably any other book. This story is so ingrained in our subconscious that it was very daunting to step into it. I was a huge fan of [Robert] Eggers before. He and I would have these things we’re like, “What are we doing? Why are we doing Nosferatu? Are we taking on something too big here?” We felt that kind of pressure of fucking with a masterpiece. But the movie deserves its place as a new interpretation.

What’s on the horizon for you next?

I’ve always cherished the idea of being as versatile as I possibly can. I also want to do a kitchen-sink drama, I want to do a dark, fucked-up comedy. I want to make those choices or advocate for those choices. You have to fight against being typecast or put into a box. The more you fight against it, the bigger the box tends to get.

[theomenmedia]

A-Listers Grace The Annual Vanity Fair Hollywood Cover!

Dive into the glamour and grit of Hollywood with this year's VF Hollywood Issue! Featuring stars like Zendaya, Nicole Kidman, and more, get an exclusive look at the faces and stories behind your favorite films.

[voguefashion]

Vanity Fair's 30th annual "Hollywood issue" 2024, starring Bradley Cooper, Natalie Portman, Pedro Pascal, Colman Domingo, Jodie Comer, Lily Gladstone, Greta Lee, Charles Melton, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Jenna Ortega and Barry Keoghan. Photographed by Gordon von Steiner.

[pynkhues]

https://www.tumblr.com/pynkhues/769822285523714048?source=share

that one interview where jacob is like 'he has Vivien Leigh sort of har/classic blond flowing locks'...

Sam Reid and Jacob Anderson in a queer A Streetcar Named Desire adaptation WHEN!!

(I know a lot of people were a bit baffled by the comparison given Vivien was generally a brunette, and her blonde hair for the movie of ASND wasn't great, and sure, he may have meant a different actress, but I see the vision when you consider her ASND stage photos, okay, Jacob, I understand you, haha.)

[letsgofullpogue]

via ig - kendalfedail

[tomdayastuff]

[destinyc1020]

There's also a VF video of Z with your guy Glen https://x.com/Zendaya_Updated/status/1856712273030697435

Awww! Thanks Anon! 😊

X

I like Glen 😊

This is cute. 🥰 Love her laugh lol. It's like a little kid's laugh.

Hollywood Gods, put Z and Glen in a film together one day! 🙏🏾😁

[majaloveschris]

Why nothing makes sense part 9.

Vanity Fair edition

What a weekend we had, right? We started with the Oscar pre-party thing, then ended it with Vanity Fair.

First of all, isn't it weird that they waited up until this point to make their red carpet debut? Why not on the Ghosted premiere or on the Golden Globes? Why did they wait until the biggest event's afterparty? She was there at the Ghosted premiere, they were there at the GG after party, why now?

Looking at those VF Fair videos and photos, I still have the same opinion and feeling about them as a couple. They don't look natural at all, and it always seems like they are doing everything for the camera. As if they are always playing a role. And I know, I know, that the most famous couple use their relationship for PR reasons too, which is totally fine. But where is the love? Why does everything seem so forced? I mean, we are supposedly talking about two people who are in love, married, and happier than ever.

They look really awkward in this video. They don't really know what to do. It got better when they started talking to someone, but when they are alone, it seems so unnatural, as if two acquaintances are standing next to each other. The kiss was awkward too, similar to the LA restaurant one. A little kiss on the mouth, and that's it. His face after the kiss was interesting too. He seemed happier before it happened. You can clearly see that when Chris realizes they are being recorded, he starts talking to her, while up until that point he was rather talking to someone else and not even looking at her. They always make sure somebody is watching them when they are about to show how much they "love" each other.

And I'd also like to talk about this gif (thanks to the person who sent it to me via DM), where you can clearly see he didn't want to pose with her but had to since she made him stay. They posed separately, and then he wanted to go, but she had a different idea.

People say they looked in love, but I don't see it. This was probably his best attempt to sell it, but I wouldn't say it was convincing. Of course he is not going to wipe his mouth; of course he will try harder. This is the VF party, not some kind of pap walk. This is the afterparty of the biggest event in Hollywood. More people will see these contents; more people will see them together. It's also to his benefit not to act like a jerk. But body language doesn't lie. Vibes don't lie. And theirs are always off when they are around each other. It's always hard to pinpoint the exact meaning of this, but the best way to describe it is as being awkward, uncomfortable, and strange. Or as if they always had a fight before they were being photographed and tried to play it off. And two people who are supposedly in love shouldn't give off these vibes or be acting like this.

All in all, it didn't change my mind. However, it showed me that there is still something so weird about them. I guess he could've at least been more convincing in the past years if he tried (I don't think he could've sold this relationship, because again, his body language doesn't lie, but he could've made it better). One thing is for sure: they are awkward together, and everything they do seems so ungenuine.

[annislittleshopofhorrors]

She lives in LA and NYC - both places with direct access to the ocean (Atlantic and pacific) 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

Also…how will she explain why her sister and best friends sister both live in LA but don’t have time or don’t want to introduce her to new restaurants? Has she never heard of the zagat guide???

How do you think she should explain how she has live plants in her new apt that’s totally not in Lisbon when the same apt was shown by the PT carpenter who built her custom bookshelves and kitchen table who also delivered them to her? Damn, those international shipping fees must be insane! But she moved to the US three years ago! She only goes back to PT to recharge!

I mean, I guess her 5 fans want to continue to stay delusional but the writing is right there. ATP I think some people are intentionally refusing to see the light.

Why hasn’t anyone asked her why she’s back home doing podcasts that she had to beg her friend to help her get on if in the same breath she’s talking about her Hollywood career and rubbing elbows with the biggest names in the business?

She could attend VF red carpet but couldn’t get on one of the 6 million podcasts in America?

Sure, Jan. You’re doing just great.

😭🤣

She is back home and did a podcast because she has to kiss Portuguese asses. Nobody gives her job. And she never had a chance in Hollywood. Hundreds of VF articles later she still has no job - a reshoot doesn't count.

[loveintensely]

Jonathan Bailey in the Vanity Fair 2025 Hollywood Issue.

Best of photoshoots of Jonny in 2024

[capoteera]

Sorry it’s long;

Now that apparently this long 2 yr planned fake relationship/marriage as come to an end at this new Film Festival I’m sure Chris would love to thank so many for making it happen.

The bullying, verbal abuse, death threats, false accusations thrown at him, his wife, their family and families have all been worth it.🙄

So thanks to:

Chris

Alba

Family and friends

Dodger

CAA

UTA

RDJ

Susan D

Scarlett

Jeremy 

Chris H

Seb

Jinx

Audi

Marvel 

Ryan R

Comic Cons

Film Festivals 

People

Just Jared

the State of Massachusetts

Suki WaterhouseRobert PattinsonPap photographer

Wedding planners 

Violinist 

Florist

Lisbon Venue

Architects

Photographers

random fans especially the one that held onto a picture outside an apartment in PT for 2 yrs

Restaurants for lying about dates

Boston Bar sighting guy for lying (sorry about the abuse from a certain blog)

Cartier 

VF

The GG

GQ

The blogs used to leak info (apparently)

Rainbow Pottery

A Carpenter (just making a living)

Work colleagues 

Sullivan Theatre

Hollywood

The US government (they must have done something)

Bermuda 

United/Delta airlines

Finland

Real Estate agents 

flight trackers

Stalkers

Bakery

Designers - Miu Miu etc.

Rolex

Broadway

Celine Song

Honey Don’t

CAA finance

Megan

Sloane

Narrative

3 Arts

The Strike (for making Chris sign on for another year)

IG

Cosmopolitan 

Disney

WDW

Cape Cod

Apple

Amazon

Condé Nast

God

The Pope

And finally 

The Muppet Show / sesame Street that is certain tumblr blogs who without them no one would believe the crazy fan stuff. The teams didn’t need to create the narrative of crazy fans they did it all themselves but love to believe Chris & co for enabling it.

Side note:

Discord/LSA/Tumblr who seem to think they are so important in all of this for some reason.

Imagine trying to keep ALL these people quiet about a pr relationship 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️

Thank you for listing it all out

[b-skarsgard]

Do you feel a curiosity about the more dangerous side of human nature?

The darker characters also tend to be more complex. More mental gymnastics are needed. Again, with Orlok, it’s like, Okay, if it’s an ancient sorcerer that speaks from a different realm and possesses all of this power and knowledge, what makes power and knowledge ultimately corrupt a soul as opposed to creating a messiah?

read the full article with Vanity Fair at the link

[weclassybouquetfun]

I don't hate many things about Tumblr, but what I do hate is that you can only upload one video. But needs must, so here is a combined video of Taylor Zakhar Perez being interviewed by Amelia Dimoldenberg on the Oscars red carpet and Nicholas Galitzine being interviewed by Tan France and Michelle Buteau at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party.

After the after-party is the other after-party. Taylor hit up the Governor's Ball, then hit up the Vanity Fair party. With a wardrobe change, naturally.

Thankfully Nicholas' pants appears to be better tailored than the last Academy event he attended.

Nick with Ncuti Gatwa and Camila Cabello.

Did your tailor quiet quit, honey?

And - nothing against baggy clothes - but nice he's wearing something more fitted.

The Vanity Fair Party for Young Hollywood (which, IMO, the post-Oscars VF has turned into that).

Compared to other voluminous outfits.

Are you taking style tips from Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Nick?

Are you trying to hide those thighs?

[dangerousthingobservation]

On baord CV-61 Ranger moored at Fremantle Docks in Western Australia on her final voyage (Persian Gulf) before being decommissioned. Here F-14s from both VF-1 (Wolfpack) and VF-2 (Bounty Hunters) were on deck. Both now disbanded. Here on the aft deck was aircraft NE102 of Wolf Pack. These aircraft were a majestic looking beast, made ever more famous by the hollywood blockbuster "Top Gun". They were powered by two F110-GE-400 afterburning turbofans. This image was scanned from a 35mm negative. - Photo taken at Fremantle Port [OFF AIRPORT] in Western Australia, Australia in December, 1992.

[daziechane]

I can't be the only one missing this guy, can I?

[letsgofullpogue]

via ig - mtv