Werner Herzog on Dreams, Defeats, and Ghost Elephants

The legendary filmmaker discusses his new documentary and the physical challenges of filmmaking in his 80s.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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In a wide-ranging interview, acclaimed director Werner Herzog discusses his new documentary film "Ghost Elephants," which follows South African naturalist Steve Boyes' quest to find a near-mythical species of elephant. Herzog reflects on the physical demands of filmmaking in his 80s, his unromantic approach to storytelling, and the challenges of living with success as a renowned filmmaker.

Why it matters

Werner Herzog is one of the most influential and distinctive voices in documentary and narrative filmmaking. His new film "Ghost Elephants" continues his exploration of man's relationship with the natural world, while also providing insight into Herzog's own creative process and philosophical outlook as he enters the later stages of his celebrated career.

The details

For "Ghost Elephants," Herzog delegated the physically demanding Angola shoot to his producer Ariel Leon Isacovitch, as Herzog felt he was "too old" to keep up the pace of chasing elephants for hours on end. However, Herzog remained closely involved, providing Isacovitch with a "clear bucket list" of shots and maintaining constant communication. In the film, Herzog's narration ponders the nature of dreams and whether it's better to pursue or simply live with them, drawing parallels to classic works like "Moby Dick." Herzog also dismisses the notion that he is a "romantic" filmmaker, arguing that he is fundamentally "unromantic" in his approach.

  • Herzog recently completed a narrative feature film called "Bucking Fastard" and has started production on a new project in Mexico that will continue in Austria.
  • "Ghost Elephants" is now in theaters, will air on National Geographic on March 7, and will stream on Disney+ and Hulu on March 8.

The players

Werner Herzog

A legendary German filmmaker known for his distinctive documentary and narrative films exploring the human condition and man's relationship with nature.

Ariel Leon Isacovitch

Herzog's producer who was responsible for the physically demanding Angola shoot for "Ghost Elephants" due to Herzog's advanced age.

Steve Boyes

A South African naturalist whose quest to find a near-mythical species of elephant is the focus of Herzog's documentary "Ghost Elephants."

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What they’re saying

“I am simply too old for that. I can do that hastening after elephants for an hour. This is why the Angolan part was delegated to one of the producers and a friend of mine, Ariel Leon Isacovitch.”

— Werner Herzog, Filmmaker (thefilmstage.com)

“The film suddenly comes up with something you never hear in wildlife films. Steve Boyes filmed one of the ghost elephants with his cell phone. My commentary says: 'Now Steve Boyes has to live with his success.' You never hear that in any of the films you've seen.”

— Werner Herzog, Filmmaker (thefilmstage.com)

“I'm not in the business of romanticizing anything. Sometimes reviewers who want to make connections to cultural trends or epochs bring up 'German Romanticism' because it comes in handy. I think it's a misunderstanding. I'm the most unromantic man you'll ever see out making movies.”

— Werner Herzog, Filmmaker (thefilmstage.com)

What’s next

Herzog's new narrative feature film "Bucking Fastard" is expected to be released soon, and he has also started production on a new project in Mexico that will continue in Austria.

The takeaway

At 80 years old, Werner Herzog continues to push the boundaries of filmmaking, both physically and creatively. His unwavering commitment to his craft and his uncompromising artistic vision have cemented his status as one of the most influential and distinctive voices in cinema.