Nicholas Hoult to star in Dracula spinoff film Renfield

Universal is not done with the Universal Monsters universe yet. While not a part of any franchise (that we know of), Deadline broke the news today that Nicholas Hoult will appear in a new Dracula spinoff focusing on the iconic vampire’s most notable henchman, R.M. Renfield.

The film, which will just be titled Renfield, is a monster movie and will be based on a script written by Ryan Ridley and a story outline from Robert Kirkman. Chris McKay, who recently directed The Tomorrow War for Amazon, is expected to direct the movie.

Since creating a big monster universe has mostly fallen flat, Universal has taken to developing more singular monster pics for that IP with a distinct horror element, such as the recently acclaimed flick The Invisible Man. They’re also in the process of creating a new Van Helsing movie with James Wan producing and Wolfman starring Ryan Gosling.

Who is Dracula’s henchman Renfield?

Originating in the original novel, Dracula by Bram Stoker, R.M. Renfield is introduced as one of Dr. John Seward’s patients at a lunatic asylum. He is thought to be experiencing delusions that convince him to attack and eat living creatures in an effort to obtain their life force.

Renfield reveals that Dracula assisted him with these impulses by delivering him creatures to sate his hunger, beginning with insects and working up to birds and mammals. The novel shows us a unique perspective of Renfield from the psychologist and later reveals he has been under the influence of the vampire, who he worships and serves loyally.

Deadline reports that despite the film’s origins, the movie is expected to take place in the present and not be a period piece, which is somewhat surprising. No plot details have been announced yet.

Are you excited about Renfield? Do you plan to watch the film? What do you think of Nicholas Hoult’s casting? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.