Just when we thought Hollywood had told the story of Dracula from every conceivable angle, Universal remains committed to a pitch that would give top billing to a minor (but pivotal) character from Bram Stoker’s original novel. According to Deadline, the studio is still developing a movie centered on Dracula’s servant, Renfield. But this time, Universal is in talks with The Lego Batman Movie director Chris McKay to helm the film.
In Stoker’s book, Renfield was an inmate at John Seward’s lunatic asylum, where he would regularly feast on insects and other small animals in the hopes of consuming their life force and becoming immortal. Seward initially diagnosed him as suffering from delusions. However, it was later revealed that Renfield was serving Dracula, who promised him eternal life in exchange for doing his bidding.
Fans can thank none other than Robert Kirkman for coming up with the idea for a Renfield standalone movie. Scripting duties fall to Ryan Ridley, a Rick and Morty veteran who recently penned an episode of Kirkman’s Invincible series. Apparently, the story takes place in the present day rather than the novel’s Victorian setting. Kirkman will also produce the film through Skybound Entertainment alongside David Alpert, Bryan Furst and Sean Furst.
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Universal began developing Renfield in 2019 and previously hired Dexter Fletcher (Rocketman) to direct. But it doesn’t look like Fletcher’s departure was ever formally announced. McKay’s next film, The Tomorrow War, stars Chris Pratt and will premiere on Amazon Prime in July. At one point, McLay was also going to direct a live-action Nightwing movie for Warner Bros. Regardless, it’s not clear if this film is still happening.
What are your thoughts on Universal’s plans for Renfield? Who would you cast to play the title character? Let us know in the comments down below!
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