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'Dracula' season 1: Release date, plot, cast, and everything you need to know about Netflix's new series starring Claes Bang

Claes Bang portrays Count Dracula in the series and the first look was just revealed. Set in 1897, the story revolves around the villain who sets his eyes on Victorian London.

Based on the novel by Bram Stoker, 'Dracula' is an upcoming television series developed by 'Sherlock' fame writers Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat. All set to be broadcast and released on BBC One and Netflix, the series is said to have three 90-minute episodes.

The actor Claes Bang will take the role of the titular "bloodsucker" character. Bang is "thrilled" to take on the role, he said in a release, adding, "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 realize 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.”

Release date

The series was officially commissioned by the BBC and is all set to air on BBC in the UK and internationally on Netflix. The release date, however, is not yet known. 

Plot

The showmakers recently revealed a short description for the show. "Three feature length episodes will re-introduce the world to Dracula, the vampire who made evil sexy," it reads, adding, "In Transylvania in 1897, the blood-drinking Count is drawing his plans against Victorian London. And be warned: the dead travel fast."

Cast

Claes Bang

Claes Bang has stepped into the shoes of the lead character Count Dracula. Set to portray negative shades in the show, it is yet to be seen how well Bang portrays the vampire who made evil look good.

The Danish actor and musician was earlier seen as Christian in Ruben Östlund's 2017 film 'The Square'. The actor became the first Dane to win the European Film Award for Best Actor for the movie and has upcoming movies like 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' and 'The Burnt Orange Heresy' slated for release. 

The other cast members in the series include John Heffernan, Dolly Wells, Joanna Scanlan, Morfydd Clark, Lujza Richter, Mark Gatiss, Jonathan Aris, Sacha Dhawan, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, Catherine Schell, Youssef Kerkour, Clive Russell, Lyndsey Marshal, Chanel Cresswell, Matthew Beard and Sarah Niles.

Director/Writer

Inspired by Bram Stoker's classic novel, 'Dracula' is a three-part series set to re-introduce television viewers to the world of Dracula. Reportedly, Jonny Campbell ('Westworld') will direct the opening installment. Meanwhile, Damon Thomas ('Killing Eve') and Paul McGuigan ('Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool') will helm Episodes 2 and 3, respectively.

Written by Sherlock’s Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat and produced by Hartswood Films, it will be broadcasted by BBC and Netflix.

Pics

The writers said earlier in an interview that they want to make "Dracula the hero of his own story, and less of a shadowy presence".

Charming and sauve, Bang perfectly aces the character of Count Dracula for the the story set in 1897. 

Where to watch

Moffat revealed filming on the series had begun on March 4, 2019. Officially commissioned by the BBC, the show will be available for streaming on BBC in the UK and Netflix around the world. 

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