New Dracula Movie Is In Development With Different Retelling Of Bram Stoker's Story

Another new Dracula adaptation is on the way. Since Bram Stoker released his classic horror novel in 1897, the book has been adapted to the big screen numerous times. Most recently, The Last Voyage of the Demeter and Renfield loosely adapted Stoker's work, while another adaptation, Nosferatu, is slated for release later this year. Now, its world is growing once more with yet another Dracula movie adaptation.

As reported by Deadline, Taken writer Luc Besson is teaming up with Christoph Waltz for Dracula — A Love Tale. The French director is set to helm the adaptation, which will be his own reimagining of the classic tale. Meanwhile, Waltz's role in the movie remains undisclosed, but Dogman star Caleb Landry Jones has been tapped for the role of Count Dracula.

What To Expect From Dracula — A Love Tale

Based on the movie's title, this won't be a straightforward adaptation of Stoker's novel. It appears to be a mixture of horror and romance as it tackles Dracula's origin story. In contrast, the novel doesn't go into further detail on the vampire's origins, but it does insinuate he didn't become one traditionally by being bitten by another vampire. It's implied that he used dark magic and brilliance to turn himself into a vampire. However, Besson may also draw inspiration for his story from previous adaptations.

In Francis Ford Coppola's Dracula (1992), the titular vampire (Gary Oldman) also turns himself into a vampire through dark magic and forsaking god. Coppola's Dracula differs from the novel, though, suggesting that Dracula took these drastic actions due to the loss of his wife. According to the Deadline report, Dracula — A Love Tale may explore the idea of the titular character having a gothic romance with a lover before becoming a vampire. Hence, it should be quite a unique premise, although it won't be the sole adaptation to probe his love life.

Not much else is known about the upcoming adaptation. However, Landry Jones has much potential as Dracula, considering he recently portrayed a complex murderer in Dogman — also directed by Besson. Also, the report suggested that the film is looking to secure other big names in addition to Waltz. Meanwhile, Besson has built a reputation as a strong European director with his striking visual style and character-driven stories. Hopefully, more updates for Dracula — A Love Tale will come soon, but the new adaptation already sounds promising.

Source: Deadline