Nicolas Cage signs on to star as Dracula in the Renfield movie set at Universal Pictures from The Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman. The film is set to focus on the titular acolyte and henchman to the iconic vampire from Bram Stoker's celebrated 1897 gothic horror novel, Dracula. While exact plot details are currently unknown surrounding the film, Renfield is being described as a comedic take on the material in the same vein as Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement's What We Do in the Shadows.

Development on Renfield first began in late 2019 when Rocketman helmer Dexter Fletcher signed on to direct the film, which came from a pitch by Kirkman and a script from Rick and Morty alum Ryan Ridley. The film would take a little longer to get off the ground, however, as Fletcher would eventually depart the project but get back on track earlier this year as Chris McKay entered talks to direct and produce the movie. Following the start of these talks, Renfield would begin building its cast as Nicholas Hoult signed on for the titular role and now another big step forwards has been taken for the project.

A few months after landing Hoult for the titular role, The Hollywood Reporter has brought word that Nicolas Cage has signed on to star as Dracula in Netflix's Renfield. The latest update also confirms that McKay has closed his deal to direct the project and produce alongside Kirkman via his Skybound Entertainment banner, David Alpert, Bryan and Sean Furst. At the time of writing, no timeline has been set for Renfield to begin filming.


The announcement of Cage joining Renfield as none other than Dracula is sure to send anticipation through the roof for the comedic monster movie. Kirkman had previously confirmed earlier this year that Bram Stoker's iconic vampire would be featured in the film, even if its focus is primarily on the titular henchman. Renfield marks an interesting return to the world of vampires for Cage since his turn in 1988's Vampire's Kiss, largely considered a critical and commercial flop upon its release but since has garnered a cult following for his exaggerated performance as a man who thinks he's turning into a vampire.

Renfield also has the interest stance as one of four other adaptations of Bram Stoker's Dracula in the works at Universal Pictures. The other projects include Karyn Kusama's more faithful approach to the material at Blumhouse akin to the studio's The Invisible Man remake, a Monster Mash musical bringing many of the Classic Universal Monsters together, André Řvredal's Last Voyage of the Demeter and Chloé Zhao's sci-fi Western take on the novel. With casting swiftly gaining momentum on Renfield, chances seem likely for production to begin on the film in the coming months.