This autumn, Dartmoor National Park will serve as the backdrop for a high-profile Hollywood production featuring acclaimed actor Willem Dafoe. Universal Studios is producing the historical thriller ‘Werwulf,’ directed by American filmmaker Robert Eggers, known for his recent successful Gothic horror film, ‘Nosferatu.’
The film is set in 13th-century England and will also star Lily-Rose Depp and Golden Globe winner Aaron Taylor-Johnson. Filming will take place over eleven weeks with temporary sets constructed near Widecombe-in-the-Moor and Postbridge. These sets will include medieval-style buildings and farmsteads, designed to evoke the era’s authentic atmosphere.
Dartmoor National Park Authority has approved the use of land to the north of Sharp Tor near Widecombe-in-the-Moor and at Assycombe Hill, south of Fernworthy Forest, for the duration of the filming. Strict measures will ensure minimal disturbance to this sensitive landscape, which is part of a Middle Bronze Age archaeological site and designated as a site of special scientific interest. Archaeologists will monitor the sites throughout filming.
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Access routes have been carefully planned to protect the environment. For instance, a temporary aluminium track will provide access to the Sharp Tor location without impacting the surrounding land, and parking and services will be situated at Fernworthy Reservoir. Traffic management will include controls on main roads during filming, even at night, to ensure safety and limit disruptions.
While filming on national park land typically falls outside permitted development rights, the authority has made a rare exception given the temporary nature of the production and the comprehensive safeguards in place. However, Devon County Council highways have raised concerns regarding access, requesting alternative measures for the Sharp Tor site.
Public access will be maintained near the filming areas, though some brief pauses on footpaths may occur when cameras are rolling. Security will be present at all times to manage safety and protect the sets.
Local officials expressed support for the project, noting the economic boost to the region through hotel stays, restaurant visits, and transportation services. Dan Thomas from Devon County Council praised the pragmatic approach taken by authorities, and West Devon Borough Council’s deputy chair highlighted the opportunity to showcase Dartmoor’s stunning landscapes to a global audience.
Mirage Pictures’ location manager, Alex Gladstone, thanked local authorities for their cooperation and expressed a desire to foster positive community relations. He hopes that ‘Werwulf’ will achieve the critical and commercial success of ‘Nosferatu’ and bring further creative projects to Dartmoor in the future.
Dartmoor’s cinematic credentials continue to grow, having recently hosted productions such as Jane Austen’s ‘Sense and Sensibility,’ Steven Spielberg’s ‘War Horse,’ and scenes from the ‘Harry Potter’ series.