ETERNALS Director Chloe Zhao Offers Update on Her Sci-Fi Western DRACULA Film Project

A couple of years ago it was announced that Eternals director Chloé Zhao was going to be directing a Dracula-inspired film that was described as a “futuristic sci-fi western.”

I’ve been wondering if this project was actually still happening, and in a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, she offered an update, saying: "Yes, I'm writing the script right now."

When the project was first announced, the filmmaker said: “I’ve always been fascinated by vampires and the concept of the Other they embody. I’m very excited to work with Donna, Peter and the team at Universal to reimagine such a beloved character.”

Peter Cramer, President of Universal Pictures, added: “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.”

About a year after the project was announced, Zhao talked about her vision for the project, saying: "I love that you have the question mark at the end — a 'sci-fi Western'? No, I like that. It's just like looking at Jessica Bruder's book [Nomadland], and to really see behind the pages, to discover the meanings behind each page and the essence of it. I'm a huge fan of the book. And I wanted to see what essence I can find [in Dracula], and then be able to reimagine this really beloved character I love so much."

While I didn’t really care for Eternals, I can’t help but be curious about how Zhao will handle Dracula in this upcoming project of hers. It sounds like it’s going to be interesting, at least!

While we wait for this project, audiences will be able to enjoy the new Dracula-inspired film Renfield, which stars Nicolas Cage as the Dark Lord. That looks like fun!