The animated Netflix series based on the Castlevania video game franchise wrapped up back in 2021 after a four season, 32 episode run – but if you were left wanting to see more Castlevania after watching that show, you’re in luck. Castlevania is getting a spin-off follow-up called Castlevania: Nocturne that’s set to make its Netflix debut on September 28th! With that date just two months away, a teaser trailer has arrived online and can be seen in the embed above.
Set in 1792, during the French Revolution, Castlevania: Nocturne focuses on Maria Renard and Richter Belmont, a descendant of Trevor Belmont and Sypha Belnades. While the first series drew inspiration from Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse and Castlevania: Curse of Darkness, Nocturne is primarily based on the 1993 video game Castlevania: Rondo of Blood and its 1997 sequel Castlevania: Symphony of the Night.
The original Castlevania video game had the following set-up: Transylvania – a small, peaceful country in the heart of medieval Europe. The people of Transylvania whisper the legend of Dracula to their children at bedtime, only half-believing it to be true. “The forces of good keep a watchful eye over the land, protecting all who live here. But even during the constant vigil, the forces of evil manage to prevail once every century. Each time this happens, human beings with evil hearts begin to chant unspeakable prayers. This is Dracula, the Prince of Darkness, resurrected upon the face of the Earth. And each time he is manifested, his powers grow stronger.” Once, long ago, Dracula was indeed revived in this manner. However, his ambitions to plunge the world into darkness and build a kingdom of evil were crushed by the hero Christopher Belmont.
Following Dracula’s demise at the hands of Christopher Belmont, the Transylvanian countryside slept peacefully for 100 years. Then one Easter night, the townspeople were celebrating the joyous holiday with a splendid carnival. But, in the ruins of the old monastery on the edge of town, the followers of darkness were holding a Black Mass to revive the evil Count and give him eternal life. They poured a sacrifice of human blood over his remains. As they did so, an ominous thundercloud enveloped the town. Suddenly, a single bolt of lightning pierced the monastery. In that instant, Dracula, the Prince of Darkness, returned to this world to begin a new reign of terror.
But all was not lost. The successor to the Belmont family bloodline, a young man by the name of Simon, was determined to rid the land of this terrible evil. Taking the mysterious whip left to him by his father, he ventured into Dracula’s castle to face the Count – alone.
Frederator Studios’ Kevin Kolde, the developer of the first series, serves as showrunner on Castlevania: Nocturne. Clive Bradley (Trapped) is writing and executive producing alongside Kolde. Powerhouse Animation is handling the animation, with Sam and Adam Deats directing.
We don’t know who will be providing the voices of Maria Renard or Richter Belmont, but there’s a chance that Castlevania voice actors Graham McTavish, Richard Armitage, Alejandra Reynoso, James Callis, and Emily Swallow could reprise the roles of Dracula, Trevor, Sypha, Alucard, and Lisa, respectively. Tony Amendola (Annabelle) is said to be voicing a character called The Elder, while Sophie Skelton (Outlander) is providing the voice of Julia Belmont.
Are you a fan of the first Castlevania series, and are you looking forward to Castlevania: Nocturne? What did you think of the teaser trailer? Let us know by leaving a comment below. While you’re scrolling down, take a look at the show’s promotional artwork.
I haven’t watched any episodes of Castlevania yet, but one of these days I do intend to get around to it.