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| Meyers, courtesy HBO |
An NBC press release announced that Jonathan Rhys Meyers (
The Tudors) would assume the role of the iconic vampire in a new co-production with Sky Living:
NBC and Sky Living today announced the co-production of "Dracula," a provocative new drama series version of the classic Bram Stoker novel starring Golden Globe winner Jonathan Rhys Meyers ("The Tudors," "Elvis") in the title role. It was announced jointly today by Universal Television Executive Vice President Bela Bajaria, and Sky's Head of Drama, Anne Mensah.
"Dracula" is from the producers behind the critically acclaimed, Emmy Award-winning hit "Downton Abbey," Carnival Films & Television, along with Flame Ventures and Playground, and will begin production later this year.
The 10-episode series introduces 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.
Based on a script by co-executive producer Cole Haddon, "Dracula" will be executive-produced by former president of HBO Films and Emmy winner Colin Callender ("The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby") for Playground, Tony Krantz ("24", "Sports Night") for Flame Ventures, Gareth Neame ("Downton Abbey") for Carnival Films & Television (part of NBCUniversal International Television Production), Anne Mensah for Sky, and Universal Television. Reece Pearson from Flame Ventures is also co-executive producer.
Bajaria said: "We are thrilled to produce this smart, sophisticated, and provocative re-imagining of 'Dracula,' in partnership with Colin, Tony and our International studio arm and Sky Living for NBC Network. It is a timeless tale with relevant, surprising twists and turns with the exquisite Jonathan Rhys Meyers in the marquee role."
What do you think about the actor's new gig? Think he has the sexy, menacing charm to join the league that's included Bela Lugosi, Frank Langella, Christopher Lee, Gary Oldman and many, many more?
