Rocketman director Dexter Fletcher is on board to direct Universal’s Renfield, a film centered on Dracula’s henchman based on a pitch by The Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman.
Universal’s plans to move forward with a shared cinematic universe consisting of its line-up of legendary monsters were altered after the disappointing performance of 2017’s The Mummy. Instead, the studio has opted to move forward with filmmaker-driven projects centered on the Universal Monsters while setting aside the concept of an interconnected universe for the time being.
Now, Variety reports Universal is moving forward with a monster film titled Reinfeld, which will be centered on the eponymous henchman of the famous vampire Dracula. Rocketman director Dexter Fletcher is attached to direct the Dracula henchman film from a script written by Ryan Ridley, which was based on an original pitch by The Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman. The film will be produced by Skybound Entertainment’s film team consisting of Robert Kirkman, David Alpert, Bryan Furst, and Sean Furst.
Plot details on the Dracula inspired film are currently under wraps, though the outlet notes that its believed to be set during the present day as opposed to being a period piece. In Bram Stoker’s original Dracula novel, R.M. Renfield was an inmate at the lunatic asylum overseen by Dr. John Seward. While it is initially believed that he is compelled to eat living creatures because he suffers from delusions, it later revealed that Renfield is actually a servant of Dracula.
In addition to directing Rocketman, Dexter Fletcher is also known for assuming directorial duties on the Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody after Bryan Singer was fired midway through production. Additional directing credits for Dexter Fletcher include Wild Bill, Sunshine on Leith, and Eddie the Eagle.
Are you interested in a film about Dracula’s henchman? Do you think Dexter Fletcher is a the right choice to helm the project? Would you prefer to see a proper Dracula film from Universal? Let us know below and stay tuned for the latest news on Universal’s Dracula inspired film from Dexter Fletcher!
Source: Variety
