Eternals director Chloe Zhao tapped to helm sci-fi/western Dracula movie

Last Updated on August 5, 2021

Golden Globe-nominated filmmaker Chloé Zhao has staked a claim on developing Universal Pictures' next big monster movie project, revolving around the one and only Dracula. Zhao will write, direct and produce through her production company, Highwayman. For what is assuredly a bold spin on the iconic vampire, Zhao's version is said to be an original, futuristic, sci-fi Western.

"Chloé’s singular lens shines a light on stories of the overlooked and misunderstood," said Universal Pictures president, Peter Cramer. "We are thrilled to be working with her as she reimagines one of the most iconic outsider characters ever created."

To which Zhao then stated: "I’ve always been fascinated by vampires and the concept of the Other they embody. I’m very excited to work with Donna, Peter, and the team at Universal to reimagine such a beloved character."

Zhao's latest, Nomadland, starring Francis McDormand as a woman who embarks on a journey through the American West, living as a van-dwelling modern-day nomad, received four Golden Globe nominations on Wednesday, including nods for Best Motion Picture (Drama), Best Screenplay, and Best Director, making Zhao the first Asian woman in history to be nominated for the coveted category.

Up next for the in-demand director is Marvel's Eternals, featuring an exciting new team of Super-Heroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In the film, ancient aliens have been living on Earth in secret for thousands of years. Following the events of Avengers: Endgame, an unexpected tragedy forces them out of the shadows to reunite against mankind's most ancient enemy, The Deviants.

The outstanding ensemble cast includes Richard Madden as the all-powerful Ikaris, Gemma Chan as humankind-loving Sersi, Kumail Nanjiani as the cosmic-powered Kingo, Lauren Ridloff as the super-fast Makkari, Brian Tyree Henry as the intelligent inventor Phastos, Salma Hayak as the wise and spiritual leader Ajak, Lia McHugh as the eternally young, old-coul Sprite, Don Lee as the powerful Gilgamesh, Barry Keoghan as the aloof longer Druig, and Angelina Jolie as the fierce warrior Thena. Kit Harrington was cast as Dane Whitman.

While Zhao's concept for Dracula sounds like something you'd find buried deep within a Wal-Mart bargain bin, I've no doubt that she'll find a way to turn the idea into something unique and worthwhile.