A major Hollywood production featuring acclaimed actor Willem Dafoe will be filmed on Dartmoor in the South West this autumn, bringing significant economic benefits to the region. Dartmoor National Park planners have approved the construction of two temporary medieval-style film sets near Widecombe-in-the-Moor and Postbridge for the duration of the shoot.
The project is backed by Universal Studios and directed by Robert Eggers, known for his critically acclaimed Gothic horror film ‘Nosferatu’, which earned nearly $180 million at the box office and four Academy Award nominations. ‘Werwulf’ is a historical thriller set in 13th-century England and also stars Lily-Rose Depp and Golden Globe winner Aaron Taylor-Johnson.
Filming will last eleven weeks, with cast and crew staying locally, supporting hotels, restaurants, and transport businesses. The temporary sets will include medieval buildings and farmsteads built to reflect the era. Access to the Sharp Tor site will be via a temporary aluminium track, while crew parking and services will utilize Fernworthy Reservoir’s existing car park.
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Given Dartmoor’s status as a site of archaeological and scientific significance, a strict archaeological watching brief will ensure no land disturbance occurs. Mirage Pictures Ltd, the production company, is contractually obligated to restore the film sites to their original condition within six months post-filming.
To minimize disruption, traffic on main roads may be paused for short periods during filming, some of which could happen after dark. Although filming is usually restricted in national parks, the temporary nature of the sets and adherence to guidelines won unanimous support from Dartmoor’s planning committee.
While Devon County Council highways expressed concerns regarding access at Sharp Tor, filmmakers and local officials engaged in discussions to mitigate traffic impact. Public access to nearby footpaths will be maintained, though brief pauses for filming may occur.
Several Dartmoor National Park Authority members praised the pragmatic decision to allow this high-profile production. Deputy chair Mark Renders highlighted the exposure Dartmoor will gain, while Gay Hill emphasized the need for careful traffic management to avoid congestion, especially near Fernworthy Forest.
Mirage Pictures’ location manager Alex Gladstone thanked local authorities for their cooperation and expressed hope the film would replicate ‘Nosferatu’s’ success, further boosting Dartmoor’s reputation as a prime filming destination. Dartmoor has previously featured in notable productions like Jane Austen’s ‘Sense and Sensibility,’ Steven Spielberg’s ‘War Horse,’ and the ‘Harry Potter’ series.