‘Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark’ Filmmaker André Øvredal Directing Horror Movie Based on ‘Tarot’ Cards

Originally announced a couple years back, Universal Pictures has been developing a solo movie for Dracula’s henchman Renfield, based on an original pitch from “The Walking Dead” creator Robert Kirkman. Chris McKay (The Tomorrow War) is set to direct the movie, with Nicholas Hoult (Warm Bodies, Mad Max: Fury Road) on board to star as Renfield.

THR brings us the exciting news today that Nicolas Cage is now also on board the project. Even more exciting? Nicolas Cage is playing Count Dracula in the movie!

The Hollywood Reporter also notes, “Plot details are being kept in the coffin, but the project is described as a modern-day adventure story that is comedic in tone.”

Cage of course played a man who believed he was a vampire in the zany comedy Vampire’s Kiss, but this will be the first time he’s ever actually played the role he seemed destined to someday take over. Cage as Dracula is something I personally have been imagining for a long time now, as it seems like such a perfect role for the beloved actor to sink his teeth into.

With the upcoming movie, penned by Ryan Ridley (“Rick and Morty”), said to be “comedic in tone,” we could very well be getting the most over-the-top Dracula on screen to date.

Then again, Cage could surely also nail a more serious Count. Stay tuned!

Deadline explained the project, which is being produced by Robert Kirkman, “In the original “Dracula” novel, R.M. Renfield was an inmate at a lunatic asylum who was thought to be suffering from delusions, but is actually a servant of Dracula. Plot details are currently unknown, though it’s believed to take place during the present day and is not a period piece.”

The character was memorably played by Dwight Frye (below) in the 1931 Dracula.