Lily-Rose Depp’s captivating performance in Nosferatu has been a topic of conversation since its release. The Robert Eggers-directed film, featuring Depp as Ellen, a woman possessed by the ancient vampire Count Orlok (played by Bill Skarsgård), has left audiences mesmerized and curious. One particularly spine-chilling scene — where Ellen’s tongue extends unnaturally during her possession — has prompted fans to ask, Was That Lily-Rose Depp’s Real Tongue in the ‘Nosferatu’ Possession Scene? The Creative Team Explains (Exclusive).
In this article, we dive into the behind-the-scenes magic that brought the scene to life and hear directly from the creative team, who provided exclusive insights into Depp’s performance and the extensive collaboration that made the moment so unforgettable.
Major Details from the Scene
Aspect | Details |
Film | Nosferatu |
Director | Robert Eggers |
Scene in Question | Ellen’s possession scene, featuring unnaturally extending tongue |
Main Actors | Lily-Rose Depp (Ellen), Bill Skarsgård (Count Orlok) |
Real or Prosthetic Tongue? | Real — confirmed by makeup designer Traci Loader |
Number of Takes | 17 |
Special Challenges | Managing saliva production and ensuring the hair stayed out of the face during the scene |
Creative Team Insights | Focus on collaboration between departments and supporting the actor’s focus during performance |
Lily-Rose Depp’s character, Ellen, undergoes a series of physical and emotional transformations throughout Nosferatu. The film, a reimagining of the 1922 classic, is packed with haunting visuals and raw performances. Yet, the possession scene, where Ellen’s body contorts and her tongue seemingly takes on a life of its own, stands out as a moment of unparalleled horror and intrigue.
In an exclusive interview, Traci Loader, the film’s lead makeup designer, addressed the burning question: Was That Lily Rose Depp s Real Tongue in the Nosferatu Possession Scene? The Creative Team Explains. Loader confirmed, “No, that’s her. All her.” This revelation has only added to the acclaim surrounding Depp’s dedication to the role.
The Process Behind the Scene
Pulling off such a visceral moment required meticulous planning and seamless collaboration among the creative team. Suzanne Stokes-Munton, head of the hair department, provided insights into the effort that went into ensuring the scene’s effectiveness. “There was a lot of collaboration and resetting to ensure the moment resonated as viscerally as possible,” she explained.
To achieve the eerie effect without relying on prosthetics or CGI, Depp’s physical abilities and commitment were key. Movement coaches worked with her extensively to perfect the choreography of the scene. Stokes-Munton revealed that the sequence was rehearsed for an hour before filming and required 17 takes to get it just right.
Loader added that one of the biggest challenges during the shoot was managing the natural physical responses of the body, such as saliva production. “For me, because she would slobber or whatever just naturally happened, it was just kind of cleaning it up,” she said. Loader’s team had to remain mindful of Depp’s performance space, ensuring minimal intrusion while maintaining the integrity of the scene.
Collaboration and Artistic Trust
Stokes-Munton praised Lily-Rose Depp’s professionalism and her ability to collaborate with the team. “She was very professional,” she noted. “You get a sense with your artists that if they trust you, you can go in. They don’t even know you’re there because they know what you’re doing is necessary. So, it was kind of a bit of a symbiotic thing.”
Loader described the on-set environment as “a dance,” where the creative team and actors worked in harmony to bring the story to life. This dynamic allowed Depp to remain fully immersed in her role, delivering a performance that has been praised as both haunting and authentic.
The Subtle Role of Hair and Makeup
The creative decisions behind Ellen’s evolving appearance played a significant role in conveying her descent into darkness. Stokes-Munton shared that Ellen’s hair changes subtly throughout the film to reflect her emotional and physical journey. “By the end, her hairstyle evolves, and its dull, black color matches her fate,” she explained.
Despite the importance of these elements, the team was careful not to let hair and makeup overshadow the performance. “The wig doesn’t get paid to act, she does,” Stokes-Munton quipped, emphasizing that their role was to enhance the actor’s emotions rather than distract from them.
Lily-Rose Depp’s Dedication
Depp’s willingness to fully immerse herself in the role was evident throughout production. Her physical commitment to the possession scene, combined with her ability to maintain focus despite the technical challenges, showcases her talent and dedication as an actor.
The creative team’s collaboration and Depp’s performance have not gone unnoticed. Nosferatu has garnered critical acclaim, with its hair and makeup team earning a nomination for Best Makeup and Hairstyling at the 2025 Academy Awards.
Net Worth
Lily-Rose Depp’s standout performance in Nosferatu highlights her growing stature in Hollywood. While her precise net worth can vary depending on the source, as of January 2025, she is estimated to have a net worth of approximately $5 million to $10 million, primarily earned from her acting career, high-profile modeling contracts, and endorsements.
Her career continues to flourish with critically acclaimed roles and partnerships with luxury brands like Chanel, solidifying her position as a sought-after talent in the entertainment industry.
Biography
Attribute | Details |
Full Name | Lily-Rose Melody Depp |
Date of Birth | May 27, 1999 |
Place of Birth | Neuilly-sur-Seine, France |
Profession | Actress, Model |
Notable Works | The King, Voyagers, Nosferatu |
Parents | Johnny Depp (Actor), Vanessa Paradis (Singer and Actress) |
Awards | César Award Nomination for Most Promising Actress; multiple accolades for her performances and modeling contributions |
Recent Project | Nosferatu (2024) – Acclaimed performance as Ellen |
Distinctive Feature | Known for her ethereal beauty, versatile acting skills, and impactful roles in psychological dramas and period films |
Interesting Fact | In Nosferatu, Lily-Rose Depp performed a possession scene using her real tongue, demonstrating her commitment and dedication to the role. |
Hair Styling Insight | Her hair subtly evolves throughout Nosferatu to reflect her character’s emotional and psychological journey. |
Makeup Techniques | Collaboration with the film’s makeup and hair departments emphasized minimal prosthetics, showcasing her natural abilities and emotive acting. |
Final Thoughts
Nosferatu is a testament to the power of collaboration in filmmaking. From Lily-Rose Depp’s captivating performance to the tireless efforts of the creative team, the film exemplifies how dedication and teamwork can produce truly unforgettable moments on screen. The possession scene, in particular, has solidified its place as one of the most talked-about sequences of the year.
For fans wondering, Was That Lily-Rose Depp’s Real Tongue in the ‘Nosferatu’ Possession Scene? The Creative Team Explains (Exclusive) — the answer is a resounding yes. Depp’s remarkable physicality, combined with the expertise of the hair and makeup departments, has created a scene that will haunt audiences for years to come.
Disclaimer
This article is based on information provided by the creative team behind Nosferatu. All details about the production and performance are sourced from exclusive interviews and official statements. For further inquiries, please refer to Focus Features or the film’s official channels.