Chloé Zhao will take on Universal’s monster library with her own incarnation of Dracula, according to THR‘s exclusive on Thursday. Borys Kit writes, in part:
Details are being kept in the coffin, but Zhao’s version is described as an original, futuristic, sci-fi Western. Themes of being on society’s fringes, something Zhao has tackled in her previous work, will course through the project’s veins.
Zhao is best known for her recent work on Nomadland which earned four Golden Globe nominations, as well as Venice’s Golden Lion and the People’s Choice Award in Toronto last year – firsts, at that, and just a few among other awards in the past year.
The move comes as part of Universal’s strive to boost its monster franchises having since recovered with Upgrade director Leigh Whannell’s pulsating horror revisal, The Invisible Man, which is currently streaming on HBO Max.
“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.”
Stated Zhao: “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 is developing Dracula under her Highwaymen label. She currently helms Marvel’s The Eternals for Marvel Studios’ Phase 4 continuance this November.