In the first of Robbie Fleming's Dark Universe Saga, he takes on a journey to Transylvania where the Vampire lord Dracula is waiting to return.
Written and devised by Robbie Fleming
Based and inspired by the novel Dracula by Bram Stoker
Cast
Vlad the Impaler / Dracula: Mads Mikkelsen
I chose Mads Mikkelsen for the role of Vlad the Impaler/Dracula, because he is both European and an actor who excels at portraying dark and complex characters. Mikkelsen is often cast as one-time villains in big-budget franchise films, but I believe giving him a role he can embody over time would be a brilliant move. His charisma and depth would bring a fresh, multifaceted dimension to this legendary figure.
Elisabeta / Mina Murray: Amanda Seyfried
Amanda Seyfried has always been my ideal choice for Elisabeta and Mina Murray. Her ethereal looks and strong screen presence make her a perfect fit for the role. Seyfried has a knack for infusing her characters with subtle quirks, and I am confident she would bring a unique charm and emotional depth to this dual role.
Bram Van Helsing: Michael Fassbender
Michael Fassbender was my first and only choice for Van Helsing. This role feels tailor-made for him. His rugged good looks, German ancestry, and extraordinary acting range make him an excellent fit for the legendary vampire hunter. Fassbender has the ability to bring both gravitas and humanity to Van Helsing, making the character his own.
Radu: Nikolaj Coster-Waldau
Initially, I considered casting Mads Mikkelsen’s brother, Lars Mikkelsen, for the role of Radu to create a nuanced sibling dynamic. However, I ultimately decided on Nikolaj Coster-Waldau. His charisma and physicality make him a compelling foil to Dracula. Additionally, Coster-Waldau deserves a significant post-Game of Thrones role, and this could be a great platform for him to shine.
Renfield: Dane DeHaan
Dane DeHaan is a perfect fit for Renfield due to his unique physicality and remarkable acting abilities. I envision a fresh take on Renfield, beginning as someone’s assistant before transforming into Dracula’s loyal servant. DeHaan’s ability to portray vulnerability and madness would make this evolution both compelling and haunting.
Lucian: Mike Colter
For Lucian, I wanted someone with a tough, commanding presence. Mike Colter stood out as the ideal choice. His imposing physicality and gravitas make him an intimidating force of nature—exactly what this role demands. Colter’s relative obscurity compared to some of the other cast members would also add an element of surprise to his character.
Anna Valerious: Lily-Rose Depp
Lily-Rose Depp felt like a natural choice for Anna Valerious. This role offers her the opportunity to gain more experience in a large ensemble cast while showcasing her range. Anna is a reserved yet fierce vampire hunter, and I believe Depp’s understated intensity would bring this character to life beautifully.
Jonathan Harker: Taron Egerton
Although I initially considered Eddie Redmayne for Jonathan Harker, I ultimately settled on Taron Egerton. His charm, presence, and classic good looks make him a fantastic choice for the role. Egerton’s versatility would allow him to thrive in both traditional and modern interpretations of Harker.
Dr Steward: Matt Smith
Matt Smith was my first pick for Dr. Seward. His eccentricity and ability to bring depth to unconventional characters make him a natural fit for the role. Following in the footsteps of actors like Richard E. Grant, Smith would bring a unique energy and complexity to the character.
Sir Ian Blackwood: Chiwetel Ejifor
Sir Ian Blackwood is an original character I created to expand the Dracula mythos. This mysterious figure plays a pivotal role in the larger narrative. Chiwetel Ejiofor’s versatility and commanding presence make him the perfect choice for this enigmatic character. His ability to convey both mystery and authority ensures Blackwood will captivate audiences.
Creative Team
Director: Park Chan-Wook
I selected Park Chan-wook as the director because I am intrigued by how he would approach a more accessible film like this. Known for his visually stunning and emotionally resonant storytelling, Park’s perspective would bring depth and sophistication to the Dracula narrative while maintaining its dark, gothic allure.
Cinematographer: Chung Chung Hoon
Chung Chung-hoon was my choice for cinematography due to his collaborations with Park Chan-wook and his extensive experience in the horror genre (Last Night in Soho, It). His unique visual style would elevate the film’s aesthetic and enhance its eerie, atmospheric tone.
Composer: Alexandre Desplat
I chose Alexandre Desplat as the composer because I believe he could create strong thematic material for each character and add intensity to the film’s atmosphere. His ability to blend emotional depth with dramatic tension makes him an ideal fit for this project.
And now with the cast out of the way let's move onto my interpretation of the famous classic, Dracula.
Prologue
In the 15th century, the rugged landscape of Transylvania was ruled by Vlad the Impaler, a leader both feared and revered for his ruthless methods. His iron grip on power was tempered only by his profound love for his wife, Elisabeta. Their bond was a beacon in his otherwise brutal reign, a source of solace and strength. However, this devotion kindled a deep and corrosive envy in his younger brother, Radu. Consumed by ambition and feelings of betrayal, Radu's jealousy festered into treacherous malice.
In a dramatic and heart-wrenching act of betrayal, Radu orchestrated a coup against Vlad, covertly aligning himself with formidable adversaries. This alliance culminated in a violent and bloody assault on Vlad’s forces. The ensuing battle was fierce, a storm of steel and blood. Despite Vlad’s staunch resistance and the valour of his men, the tide turned tragically when Elisabeta fell victim to the chaos. Struck down by an enemy’s blade—one of Radu’s own—her death was a devastating blow to Vlad.
Overwhelmed by grief and consumed by vengeful rage, Vlad turned to the arcane. He sought to reverse his profound loss through dark magic, performing a blood ritual intended to resurrect Elisabeta. The ritual, however, spiralled into disaster, transforming Vlad into a monstrous creature of the night—a vampire. Gifted with supernatural powers, he was now driven by a singular purpose: revenge.
With his newfound strength, Vlad returned to his castle, now under Radu’s rule. The once-majestic stronghold had become a symbol of Radu’s betrayal. Vlad, wielding his horrific new powers ruthlessly, dispatched Radu’s guards in a swift and merciless assault. The air crackled with tension as he approached Radu, who, witnessing the carnage, trembled in fear.
“Are you going to kill me, brother?” Radu’s voice wavered with terror.
“Kill you?” Vlad’s voice was cold and unfeeling. “I’d rather you suffer for your crimes.” With that, Vlad seized Radu by the hair, sank his fangs into his neck, and drained him of his lifeblood. Radu, now left on the brink of death, was cast aside like a ragdoll.
As Vlad turned to leave, the transformation of Radu into a vampire began. The process was agonizing, marked by contortions of pain and awakening power. Emerging as a fully-fledged vampire, Radu launched a vengeful attack against Vlad. The two brothers clashed in a savage and sorrowful confrontation, their fight a maelstrom of rage and despair.
In a final, symbolic act of vengeance, Vlad ignited the castle’s vast halls, setting it ablaze. Radu, now incapacitated, was left to suffer amidst the inferno. Vlad, having secured the upper hand, delivered a final blow to Radu before escaping the burning ruins.
In the aftermath, Vlad, deeply scarred and grappling with his monstrous new identity, retreated into the shadows. The people of Transylvania, gripped by fear and superstition, spoke in hushed tones of a dark figure that haunted the night. This creature, once known as Vlad the Impaler, had become a legend of the shadows—Dracula.
Act One
In modern-day London, American research developer Mina Murray arrives at Stoker Institute, a leading research facility dedicated to studying supernatural myths and phenomena. The institute is a sleek, modern facility with advanced technology and a team of experts. Mina’s work involves analyzing ancient texts, artefacts, and legends to uncover their historical and potential supernatural significance.
Mina’s current project involves researching a recently acquired artifact—the Vampire’s Crest. The artefact’s origins and markings suggest a connection to ancient vampire legends, piquing her interest. The Vampire’s Crest was dug out of the ruins of a Transylvanian castle by an archaeology team and brought to the institute.
As Mina begins to study the artefact, she experiences strange phenomena—cryptic visions, unexplained power surges, and disturbances at the institute. Her research uncovers that the Vampire’s Crest is linked to Vlad the Impaler and the legend of Dracula. Mina’s findings suggest that the artefact could be key to understanding and possibly controlling the dark forces connected to the vampire mythos.
Being of Romanian descent, Mina has a deep fascination with her ancestral roots and the legends associated with them. Her academic pursuit in supernatural myths is both a professional and personal journey, making her a key figure in her field.
Mina is engaged to Jonny Harker, who works as a lawyer. Despite being in a different field, Jonny supports Mina’s research, offering practical assistance and an active interest in her work too. His involvement helps to bridge the gap between Mina’s professional challenges and her personal life. Their relationship is warm and supportive, highlighting their strong emotional connection.
As Mina delves deeper into her research, the Stoker Institute begins experiencing strange disturbances—power surges, mysterious symbols appearing, and other unexplained phenomena. These disturbances escalate, creating an atmosphere of tension and unease.
After these disturbances, Stoker is put on lockdown and Private Investigator Bram Van Helsing is called in to investigate. Van Helsing’s investigation into these disturbances reveals that the Vampire’s Crest is activating an ancient and malevolent force. He tells Mina that her research suggests that this awakening could have dire consequences.
Back in Transylvania, Vlad, now known as Dracula, senses the Vampire’s Crest being used in London as well as visions of Mina, who resembles his dead wife, Elisabeta. Believing Mina is a reincarnation of Elisabeta, Dracula decides to leave Romania and go to London to find her and the Vampire’s Crest.
As he flies off into the distance, a shot briefly shows the ruins of Transylvania Castle. Suddenly, a hand rises from the ground and Dracula’s brother Radu emerges from the earth. He rises as he senses Dracula's departure and the Vampire’s Crest, which he receives visions of him ruling over London, defeating Dracula, and turning all of London into vampires. This vision fuels Radu’s desire for revenge against his brother for turning him into a vampire.
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Act Two
In the aftermath of the disturbances at the Stoker Institute, Van Helsing arrives to investigate. The institute is in lockdown, with a palpable tension hanging in the air. Van Helsing examines the Vampire’s Crest, noting its disturbing properties and its connections to ancient vampire legends. He proposes that the Crest may be acting as a conduit for a dark force seeking to break free and wreak havoc. Van Helsing insists that Mina hand over the artefact for further examination, but she resolutely refuses. Determined to continue her research, Mina leaves the institute with the Crest securely in her bag.
At home, Mina delves deeper into her research on the Vampire’s Crest. She discovers a hidden message within the artefact, revealing that it is tied to the return of an ancient vampire lord—Vlad the Impaler, now known as Dracula. Mina realizes that Dracula's return is imminent and that the Crest is central to his power. As Mina becomes increasingly consumed by her research, her relationship with Jonathan becomes strained. The urgency of the situation leads to emotional confrontations between them, highlighting their differing perspectives on the crisis.
Dracula makes his dramatic entrance into London, his arrival marked by an unsettling aura of dread and supernatural disturbances. His presence is soon felt throughout the city as eerie occurrences and mysterious deaths begin to unfold. Driven by his belief that Mina is the reincarnation of his lost love, Elisabeta, Dracula uses his vampiric abilities to blend into the city and seek out Mina and the Vampire’s Crest. The city’s growing sense of unease reflects the gravity of Dracula’s return.
Simultaneously, Radu arrives in London, motivated by his vision of seizing control of the city and exacting revenge on Dracula. He establishes a hidden base, recruiting followers with promises of power and immortality. Radu’s ambitions lead him to actively sabotage Dracula’s efforts, setting the stage for a dramatic clash between the two brothers. His preparations for domination become increasingly evident as he manipulates events to further his own agenda.
Mina’s fixation on her research causes a rift in her relationship with Jonny. A heated argument reveals their conflicting priorities—Mina is focused on the supernatural threat, while Jonny is concerned about their safety and their relationship. Their conflict is abruptly interrupted by a new supernatural disturbance, forcing them to set aside their differences and confront the escalating crisis together.
Dracula’s search for Mina brings him into direct conflict with Radu and his faction of vampires. The brothers’ rivalry becomes increasingly intense as Radu actively works to undermine Dracula’s plans. A dramatic encounter between the two showcases their contrasting methods and the rising danger posed by Radu’s followers. The clash between Dracula and Radu intensifies, highlighting the stakes of their bitter conflict.
Mina visits Van Helsing’s office to share her latest findings. Van Helsing reveals that he has uncovered ancient records detailing a ritual that could potentially control or banish the dark forces associated with the Vampire’s Crest. The ritual requires specific conditions and a deep understanding of dark magic. Mina and Van Helsing begin preparations for the ritual, aware that they are racing against time as Dracula and Radu’s conflict escalates.
Dracula finally encounters Mina, drawn to her by her resemblance to Elisabeta and his belief that she is the reincarnation of his lost love. He attempts to seduce her with tales of his tragic past and promises of eternal love. Van Helsing arrives just in time to witness the encounter, recognizing Dracula and intervening to protect Mina. A dramatic confrontation ensues between Van Helsing and Dracula, revealing Van Helsing’s true identity as a seasoned vampire hunter. The battle showcases his skills and knowledge, while Mina is torn between Dracula’s tragic allure and the harsh reality of his true nature.
Jonny, walking home, is ambushed by a group of hoodlums who are followers of Radu. They reveal their true nature as vampires and attack Jonny, killing him in a brutal assault. The hoodlums’ actions are revealed to be part of Radu’s plan to bring Mina and Dracula closer together.
Dracula and Van Helsing's battle is interrupted when Dracula senses the attack on Jonny. He seizes the opportunity to flee, leaving Mina and Van Helsing behind. Mina, devastated by Jonny’s death, finds her apartment surrounded by police cars and an ambulance. She learns from an officer that Jonny was murdered by a gang of hoodlums. The revelation that Jonny’s death was caused by vampires, rather than a random attack, further intensifies the crisis.
Van Helsing, sensing the vampire’s involvement in Jonny’s death, insists that Mina stay with him for her safety. Mina agrees, and together they return to Van Helsing’s office. They begin assembling a team of skilled individuals—Lucian, Dr. Seward, his assistant Renfield, and Anna Valerious—who have experience in hunting vampires and knowledge of Dracula’s legend. This team is crucial in the fight against Dracula and Radu, setting the stage for the upcoming confrontation.
Act Three
Mina and Van Helsing, alongside their team—Lucian, Dr. Seward, Renfield, and Anna Valerious—are on high alert as they prepare for the critical ritual intended to neutralise the dark forces connected to the Vampire’s Crest. The atmosphere in Van Helsing’s office is charged with a sense of urgency and determination. As they study the ancient records and finalise their plans, Mina and Van Helsing discuss the gravity of their mission, emphasising the need for precision and unwavering focus.
Dracula, now deeply entrenched in London, methodically extends his influence over the city's key figures. Through a web of fear and manipulation, he uses his vampiric powers to orchestrate a network of control. The city feels his ominous presence through a series of eerie occurrences and unexplained deaths, signalling his impending final assault.
Radu, driven by his ambition to rule London, accelerates his efforts to disrupt Dracula’s plans. He orchestrates public events designed to create chaos and draw attention, all while secretly establishing a hidden base from which he can further his schemes. His growing faction of followers eagerly supports his vision of power and immortality.
Mina and Van Helsing select a secluded, historically significant chapel for the ritual, chosen for its deep connection to vampire lore. The team meticulously prepares the site, ensuring all elements of the ancient ritual are in place. Mina and Van Helsing share a reflective moment, recognizing the personal sacrifices and the high stakes of their endeavour.
As night descends, the ritual begins in earnest at the ancient chapel. Mina, Van Helsing, and their team meticulously execute the ritual, each member fulfilling a critical role. The atmosphere is tense, charged with anticipation as they work to harness the powers of the Vampire’s Crest.
Dracula’s sudden arrival disrupts the ritual. He confronts Radu, leading to a ferocious and chaotic battle. The confrontation between the two brothers, fueled by personal vendettas and supernatural might, spills over into the chapel. Their clash causes severe supernatural disturbances, threatening to unravel the ritual’s progress.
Amidst the turmoil of Dracula and Radu’s battle, the ritual’s progress is jeopardized. Mina, Van Helsing, and the remaining team members struggle to maintain their focus. Lucian is killed by a stray attack from Radu’s followers, marking the beginning of the team's casualties.
Dr. Seward also falls victim to the chaos, his death further impacting the team’s morale. The ongoing violence puts the success of the ritual at grave risk.
In a dramatic climax, Dracula, bolstered by the ritual's energy, overpowers and defeats Radu. The ritual reaches its completion, destroying Radu and neutralizing his dark influence. This victory is hard-earned, and the resolution of Dracula and Van Helsing’s conflict becomes imminent. They must reconcile their differences and collaborate to manage the aftermath of the battle.
With the threat of Radu extinguished Dracula disappears into the night, along with Renfield. Anna Valerious, fatally wounded in the battle, succumbs to her injuries. Mina and Van Helsing are left to process the profound losses they have sustained. The city begins its slow recovery from the chaos, but the scars of the conflict are evident.
A few days later, Mina and Van Helsing meet to reflect on the tumultuous events. Mina decides to continue her research, now with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of the supernatural forces she studies. Van Helsing prepares to depart London, offering Mina a role in his future endeavours, suggesting the possibility of new adventures and ongoing mysteries.
Renfield, deeply traumatized and driven mad by recent events, becomes Dracula’s new loyal assistant. His descent into madness only strengthens his devotion to Dracula. Renfield’s transformation into a fervent servant sets the stage for future complications, as he takes on a darker role in Dracula’s plans.
Dracula comes to him and tells him that with his help, he can rebuild his empire as they both look at the ruins of his old castle in Transylvania.
In a brief post-credit scene, Mina is seen at a research facility, poring over documents related to her research.
An enigmatic figure steps into the room, drawing Mina’s attention. The man introduces himself as Sir Ian Blackwood, representing an organization known as The Aegis Society. Sir Ian explains that the society is dedicated to protecting humanity from supernatural threats and has taken notice of Mina’s recent work. He offers her a role within The Aegis Society, promising resources and support for her continued research.
Mina, intrigued but cautious, listens as Sir Ian outlines the society’s mission and the potential impact of their collaboration. After a moment of contemplation, Mina accepts the offer, shaking Sir Ian’s hand. He smiles warmly, welcoming her to The Aegis Society and hinting at the exciting and perilous adventures that lie ahead.
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