NBC and Sky Living have confirmed that their adaptation of the classic Bram Stoker novel Dracula will premiere next spring.
Frankly, the announcement comes as a bit of a surprise because it seems to be outside of the typical show creation and promotion mold.
There was no (external) discussion of its development, nor was there a pilot. This implies more than a little confidence on NBC’s part. Indeed, the network must have taken the show directly on the original pitch for it to have stayed so quiet.
We have this official synopsis:
The 10-episode series introduces Dracula as he arrives in London, posing as an American entrepreneur who maintains that he wants to bring modern science to Victorian society. In reality, he hopes to wreak revenge on the people who ruined his life centuries earlier. There’s only one circumstance that can potentially thwart his plan: Dracula falls hopelessly in love with a woman who seems to be a reincarnation of his dead wife.
The Victorian era, and parts of its wardrobe, are pretty popular in geek culture currently as part of the steampunk fad, so I wouldn’t be surprised if the ‘Victorian society’ of the show is a bit steampunky. In fact, that may be the show’s major visual gimmick.
There is no word whether the ten episodes are a full series order or just one season.
Michael Edelstein, President of NBCUniversal International Television Production, said of the show’s star: “We are delighted that Jonathan Rhys Meyers has chosen this project to return to television and have built an amazing team of producers behind the camera to deliver this extraordinary show.
“Since 1897, the story of Dracula has captivated readers and viewers alike and this sexy, updated twist on the classic also promises not to disappoint.”
More specific production or release dates for
Dracula
have not yet been announced.
