Eternals director Chloé Zhao to develop sci-fi Dracula film for Universal

Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige recently expressed how impressed he was with Nomadland director Chloé Zhao’s pitch for the upcoming Eternals movie. It’s not surprising, then, that Universal has approached Zhao to create a new vision of Dracula as part of their efforts to revive their movie monster franchise.

Zhao will have full creative control of the project, which will come through her Highwayman production company. As the director, writer and producer, the creative decision making will rest with her and that’s how the talented filmmaker likes it.

Universal Pictures president Peter Cramer was inspired by Zhao’s vision for their beloved vampire. “Chloé’s singular lens shines a light on stories of the overlooked and misunderstood. We are thrilled to be working with her as she reimagines one of the most iconic outsider characters ever created.”

Unlike previous adaptations of Dracula’s story, Zhao sees a bright new future for the most famous vampire in literary and cinematic history.

Chloé Zhao imagines a sci-fi western version of Dracula

Though details are understandably scarce at this early juncture, THR reports that Zhao has a futuristic take on the classic story, introducing elements of science fiction and traditional westerns to give Count Dracula a whole new look.

Zhao said in a statement that she’s “always been fascinated by vampires and the concept of the Other they embody.”

The classic Universal Dracula film starring Bela Lugosi is about to turn 90, so the time is right to resurrect the Count for modern audiences.

2021 looks to be a big year for Zhao, whose Nomadland was recently nominated for four Golden Globes, including a nomination for Best Director – Motion Picture for Zhao. With the nomination, Zhao becomes the first Asian woman to be honored with a nomination in the director category.

There is no release date available for Zhao’s Dracula project, but her upcoming film Eternals arrives in theaters on November 5.