Robert Eggers addresses how SpongeBob Squarepants provided an unexpected introduction to the influential cinematic vampire for many young viewers ahead of his Nosferatu big screen reimagining releasing in theaters. The director’s horror passion project tells the story of a bloodthirsty count who descends upon a sleepy town and inflicts terror on its citizens. Nosferatu stars Bill Skarsgard as the leading vampire alongside Lily Rose-Depp, Nicholas Holt, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Willem Dafoe, Emma Corrin, and Ralph Ineson as the feature’s cast of fearful mortals.
During the red carpet event for Nosferatu’s premiere, Eggers was asked by The Hollywood Reporter whether he was aware that many viewers had their first exposure to the original 1922 version of the vampire through a quick gag in a SpongeBob Squarepants episode.
Confirming that he was well-aware of the episode, Eggers revealed it didn’t surprise him, as he had a similar exposure to classical movies through cutaway gags of The Muppet Babies:
I know about it, yeah. But you know, there is a show called
Muppet Babies
when I was a kid that would play little clips of, like, Lon Chaney’s Phantom of the Opera and early versions of Cyrano de Bergarac and stuff.
Eggers admitted that these gags left an impact that would resonate as he got older and sat down to each feature for the first time, ultimately thanking it and SpongeBob Squarepants for the role they played. Check out Eggers’ recollection below:
And that, actually, that weird cartoon gave me a lot of exposure to a lot of movies that I watched when I was a little older, with memories from Muppet Babies. So, thanks SpongeBob.
How SpongeBob Squarepants Utilized Nosferatu
The Vampire Was Chosen For His Memorability
Nosferatu made his memorable first SpongeBob Squarepants appearance in “Graveyard Shift” as the mischievous culprit behind the flickering lights during the Krusty Krabs’ night shift in the episode’s final moments. The gag was originally penned by writer Jay Lender, with creator Stephen Hillenberg approving of it due to its memorability. Despite originating as a brief gag, Nosferatu has since become a fully-fledged SpongeBob character in his own right.
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As true to the intent, Nosferatu’s appearance sticks in the mind of viewers, as the screenshot from the 1922 silent movie was one of only a few pieces of live-action footage used in the episode, standing out from the rest of the episode. Furthermore, despite its influence on horror, Nosferatu’s design is less terrifying to more contemporary audiences, and instead, its unique qualities allow it to stick in the audience’s head.
Our Thoughts On SpongeBob’s Nosferatu Impact
The Phenomenon Is A Recurring Event
Eggers has been open about his influences before, including the mark Nosferatu left on him. With both the director’s past recollection and the infamy of SpongeBob Squarepants’s use of the character, it is undoubtable that many may wonder if there was a connection between the two.
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While it may not have influenced Egger’s own career as it left a mark on others, it is clear he recognizes the impact these moments have on influencing how one enjoys media. Though it is still unclear how Skarsgard’s take on the vampire will compare to the Max Schreck incarnation, there’s little doubt that Egger’s passion for Nosferatu has ensured he will create a take that is just as memorable.
Source: @THR /Twitter
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Nosferatu
Nosferatu is a remake of the 1922 silent film of the same name from director F. W. Murnau. Robert Eggers is crafting his own version of the story for the reboot as writer and director, with Bill Skarsgård stepping into the shoes of Count Orlok. Nosferatu tells the tale of a young woman who falls victim to a vampire utterly infatuated with her.
- Release Date
- December 25, 2024
- Runtime
- 132 Minutes
- Character(s)
- Count Orlok , Ellen Hutter , Thomas Hutter , Professor Albin Eberhart Von Franz , Friedrich Harding , Anna Harding , Knock , Dr. Wilhelm Sievers , Dockhand , Head Nurse
- Studio(s)
- Regency Enterprises , 1492 Pictures
- Distributor(s)
- Focus Features , Universal Pictures