Golden Globe Nominee Chloé Zhao To Direct Sci-Fi Take On Dracula

Chloé Zhao is to direct a new take on 'Dracula'.

The 38-year-old filmmaker — who recently became the first Asian woman to be nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Director for Nomadland — is to helm a Universal Pictures horror based on Bram Stoker's 1897 novel.

The project is described as an original, futuristic sci-fi Western. Details are being kept under wraps but it is said that the movie will explore the theme of being on the fringes of society.

Zhao will write, direct and produce the flick through her Highwayman production company.

She said: "I've always been fascinated by vampires and the concept of the Other they embody. I'm very excited to work with Donna (Langley), Peter (Cramer) and the team at Universal to reimagine such a beloved character."

Peter Cramer, Universal Pictures President, added: "Chloe'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."

The new movie continues Universal's recent strategy of revamping its iconic Dark Universe of monsters through top filmmakers, such as Leigh Whannell's The Invisible Man. Other approaches include Dexter Fletcher's take on Dracula's sidekick Renfield; Elizabeth Banks directing and starring in The Invisible Woman; and Dark Army, a monster movie written, produced and directed by Paul Feig.

Besides Zhao, Blumhouse Productions is also working on a new version of Dracula with director Karyn Kusama (Destroyer). According to Variety, Zhao's version does not affect the Blumhouse project, which is still on the table.

Zhao's next movie, Marvel's Eternals, starring Angelina Jolie, Kumail Nanjiani, Don Lee, Gemma Chan and Salma Hayek, is slated to open here on Oct 28. — BANG

Photo: TPG News/Click Photos