Claes Bang (The Girl in the Spider’s Web) has landed the lead role as Dracula in the three-part drama series for Netflix and BBC, Deadline has confirmed. Sherlock producer Hartswood Films is producing the project, which will begin filming next year.
Bang currently stars in the crime drama feature The Girl in the Spider’s Web, based on the novel by Stieg Larsson. His other credits include The Square, The Bridge, Borgen, and upcoming titles The Bay of Silence, The Glass Room, and Lyrebird.
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Dracula is inspired by Bram Stroker’s classic novel and was written and created by Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss. The 90-minute episodes will re-introduce the world to Dracula in 1897 Transylvania where the blood drinking Count is drawing his plans against Victoria London.
Bang said, “I am thrilled to be taking on the role of Dracula, especially when the script is in the hands of the incredible talents of Steven Moffat, Mark Gatiss and the team responsible for Sherlock. I’m so excited that I get to dig into this iconic and super-interesting character. Yes, he’s evil, but there’s also so much more to him, he’s charismatic, intelligent, witty and sexy. I realize that there’s a lot to live up to with all the amazing people that have played him over the years, but I feel so privileged, to be taking on this incredible character.”
“It was one of those moments — who else could it be than Claes. He has it all. Brilliant, gorgeous, charismatic, lethal. Tall, dark and gruesome all at once,” added Gatiss, Moffat, and Sue Vertue.
Wenger and Director of BBC Content Charlotte Moore Dracula commissioned the series, which is written and created by Moffat and Gatiss. Executive producers are Gatiss, Moffat, and Sue Vertue for Hartswood Films, Ben Irving for BBC and will be handled by Tanz for Netflix. BBC Studios Distribution will handle the international distribution.
