Nicolas Cage is Count Dracula in the first trailer for Universal's horror comedy film, Renfield.
The trailer begins with Renfield (X-Men: First Class' Nicholas Hoult) storming into a support group led by Ghosts' Brandon Scott Jones and exclaiming, "I need to get out of a toxic relationship." Renfield explains that the relationship is with his boss, Count Dracula, played by scene-stealer Nicolas Cage. The footage reveals that Renfield has been gifted with powers by Dracula in exchange for providing the iconic vampire with constant care and victims -- like innocent nuns and cheerleaders -- to feast upon. The support group tells Renfield that if he stops servicing Dracula's needs, he won't be able to "grow to full power." The trailer ends with a compelling shot of Cage's Dracula looking directly into the camera and stating, "Now let's eat."
Renfield was initially announced in November 2019, with Hoult cast in the title role in August 2021 and Cage's involvement confirmed the following November. Production on Renfield began in February 2022 and wrapped in April. Renfield is directed by Chris McKay (The LEGO Batman Movie) from a screenplay by Ryan Ridley (Rick & Morty), based on an original idea by The Walking Dead and Invincible creator Robert Kirkman. The film co-stars Awkwafina (Shang-Chi and the Legend of Ten Rings), Ben Schwartz (Sonic the Hedgehog) and Adrian Martinez (Focus).
Universal Reboots Another Classic Monster
Universal initially unveiled plans for a new Dracula film in July 2014 that would have been part of its Dark Universe franchise, a rebooted shared universe inspired by the studio's "Classic Monsters" franchise. However, following the critical and commercial failure of 2017's The Mummy, Universal scrapped the Dark Universe, opting instead to develop standalone features for each monster. The first of these projects, Leigh Whannell's The Invisible Man, was released to positive reviews from critics and grossed over $144 million worldwide on a budget of $7 million.
Renfield is produced by Skybound Entertainment partners Robert Kirkman and David Alpert, co-presidents Bryan Furst and Sean Furst and by Chris McKay. McKay’s producing partner Samantha Nisenboim will executive produce. An official synopsis for the film reads as follows: "In this modern monster tale of Dracula’s loyal servant, Nicholas Hoult stars as Renfield, the tortured aide to history’s most narcissistic boss, Dracula. Renfield is forced to procure his master’s prey and do his every bidding, no matter how debased. But now, after centuries of servitude, Renfield is ready to see if there’s a life outside the shadow of The Prince of Darkness. If only he can figure out how to end his codependency."
Renfield opens in theaters on April 14.
Source: YouTube