Jonathan Rhys Meyers sinks his teeth into NBC's 'Dracula'

Bram Stoker vampire adaptation gets a 10-episode order

By Daniel Fienberg Tuesday, Jul 24, 2012 8:10 PM

Jonathan Rhys Meyers

Credit: NBC

Without needing to see a pilot, NBC has given a 10-episode order to "Dracula," a fresh take on Bram Stoker's classic vampire novel, featuring Jonathan Rhys Meyers in the lead role.

The new "Dracula," a co-production between NBC and Sky Living, comes from "Downton Abbey" producers Carnival Film & Television and was scripted by Cole Haddon.

"Dracula" will keep Bram Stoker's 1896 setting. NBC says that the show "[I]ntroduces Dracula as he arrives in London, posing as an American entrepreneur who maintains that he wants to bring modern science to Victorian society. In reality, he hopes to wreak revenge on the people who ruined his life centuries earlier. There's only one circumstance that can potentially thwart his plan: Dracula falls hopelessly in love with a woman who seems to be a reincarnation of his dead wife."

And we know what you're saying: "But Bram Stoker's 'Dracula' doesn't begin with Dracula arriving in London posing as an American entrepreneur."

It's a loose adaptation, apparently.

Everybody involved gets a blurb in NBC's announcement.

"We are delighted that Jonathan Rhys Meyers has chosen this project to return to television and have built an amazing team of producers behind the camera to deliver this extraordinary show. Since 1897, the story of Dracula has captivated readers and viewers alike and this sexy, updated twist on the classic also promises not to disappoint," blurbs Michael Edelstein, President, NBCUniversal International Television Production.

Rhys Meyers earned an Emmy nomination (and a Golden Globes win) for his work on CBS' "Elvis." On the small screen, he followed that with Showtime's "The Tudors," for which he received two Golden Globe nominations. On the big screen, he's been seen in "Match Point," "Mission: Impossible III" and "Albert Nobbs."

Blurbs Sky's Head of Drama Anne Mensah, "I am so pleased to be announcing our first-ever co-production with NBCUniversal and we are delighted to be bringing an actor as exciting as Jonathan Rhys Meyers to Sky. 'Dracula' combines the biggest and best talent both in front of and behind the camera and will keep our customers intrigued and enthralled. With its dark, twisted and intelligent script it absolutely sets the scale, tone and ambition for future dramas on Sky Living."

States Sky Living's Acting Director Antonia Hurford-Jones, "As one of the nation's most iconic literary characters, this new incarnation of ‘Dracula' feels like the perfect fit for our Sky Living audience. It's an extremely exciting time for the channel and this co-production with NBCUniversal marks the start of big things to come."

NBC has been moving forward aggressively on similar international drama co-productions that are sent to series without going to pilot first. The network had minimal success with this spring's "The Firm," but hopes are higher for next year's "Hannibal" from producer Bryan Fuller.

"Dracula" will begin production later this year. Stay tuned for additional casting and production information.

And guess what? This is just one of several "Dracula" and vampire-themed productions heading to the big and small screen. Attracting the most publicity in recent weeks is Eli Roth's "Harker," featuring Russell Crowe as Dracula.

Daniel Fienberg
Executive Editor

A long-time member of the TCA Board and a longer-time blogger of "American Idol," Dan Fienberg writes about TV, except for when he writes about movies or sometimes writes about the Red Sox. But never music. He would sound stupid talking about music.

Related Searches: NBC, Dracula, Jonathan Rhys Meyers

Next Article - 'The Jeffersons' star Sherman Hemsley dies at 74
Previous Article - TV Ratings: 'Hell's Kitchen,' 'MasterChef' cruise past 'Bachelor Pad' on Monday

Trending Now on HitFix Boards

Topic	Started By	Latest Post	Replies
Game of Thrones, "Second Sons" for book readers	sepinwall	about 2 hours ago	2
Game of Thrones, "The Bear and the Maiden Fair" for book readers	sepinwall	10 days ago	1
Discuss Scripted Dramas on HitFix Message Boards »

M

Is this targeted for next season or the year after?

And what is with NBC and all the pre-established brands lately? Would it kill them to develop an original concept?
July 24, 2012 at 8:33PM EST Reply to Comment
- dan M - Unclear. If production starts this fall, *maybe* it could be for spring? Maybe? Or perhaps it's for summer? Or next year? NBC is kinda fluid...
  
  -Daniel
  July 24, 2012 at 8:37PM EST
erika

I'll give it a chance.
September 11, 2012 at 10:10PM EST Reply to Comment

News From Our Partners

Follow HitFix:

Follow @HitFix

Get Instant Alerts on Breaking News

HitFix.com

Event Calendar

Movies

TV

Music

Videos

Photos

Awards

Riot

In Theaters

New to DVD

On Demand

New Music

Jonathan Rhys Meyers sinks his teeth into NBC's 'Dracula'

Bram Stoker vampire adaptation gets a 10-episode order