While Steven Moffatt and Mark Gattis wait for the rare moment when Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman's schedules line up for a fifth installment of Sherlock, they've developed a Dracula series for BBC/Netflix based on the Bram Stoker novel to occupy us in the meantime. Taking place in Transylvania in 1897 and consisting of three 90-minute episodes, Dracula will find "the blood drinking Count is drawing his plans against Victorian London. And be warned: the dead travel fast." The BBC has released the first teaser for the upcoming series, and while there's not a ton of footage on display, it does look rather slick and I'm excited to check it out.
The role of the titular vampire has been filled by Claes Bang, best known for THE SQUARE and THE GIRL IN THE SPIDER'S WEB. In a statement released when he cast in the role earlier this year, Bang said:
I am thrilled to be taking on the role of Dracula, especially when the script is in the hands of the incredible talents of Steven Moffat, Mark Gatiss and the team responsible for Sherlock. I’m so excited that I get to dig in to this iconic and super-interesting character. Yes he’s evil, but there’s also so much more to him, he’s charismatic, intelligent, witty and sexy. I realise that there’s a lot to live up to with all the amazing people that have played him over the years, but I feel so privileged, to be taking on this incredible character.
Dracula will premiere on BBC One in the U.K., but will also be available on Netflix everywhere outside of the U.K.