Previous articles on vampire films have dubbed certain years, or even decades, a time that “belongs to the vampire”. But here at the Source, we don’t make that distinction; every year is the year of the vampire. Through various cinematic interpretations and manifestations, the vampire will always find himself weaving through our collective consciousness, emerging from the darkness and into a spotlight fostered by an eager and hungry public. Whether he finds himself cast as the hero or the villain, or somewhere in between, he will remain steadfast, powerful, and eternal – unapologetically dragging our deepest fears and most sincere desires out from under the bed for all the world to see.
As far as the genre is concerned, 2013 (so far) belongs to Neil Jordan, and his visually stunning film Byzantium (released in the US on June 28th).
But what’s next, you ask? Let us give you the highlights of what’s coming soon (or not that soon) in the realm of the vampire on film.
[dcs_darkspliter size=”large” bottom=”20″]Only Lovers Left Alive (2013)
Plot Outline:
Director Jim Jarmusch details the centuries-old romance between two vampires — an underground musician living in Detroit (Tom Hiddleston) and his mysterious lover from Tangier (Tilda Swinton).
Project Status:
Completed. Only Lovers Left Alive will be released on December 5, 2013 (beginning in Russia). Having already made the rounds at the Cannes Film Festival, word on the street is that this film is extremely good.
[dcs_darkspliter size=”large” bottom=”20″]The Last Voyage of the Demeter (2013/2014)
Plot Outline:
The Descent’s Neil Marshall brings to life the deadly voyage of the Demeter from Bram Stoker’s Dracula novel in this Millenium Films production. The story will expand upon the passage in the novel wherein the dreaded vampire lays waste to a entire crew of a cargo ship on his way to England.
Project Status:
In Development. The latest news on the film (lagging in the scheduling stage) is that Ben Kingsley and Viggo Mortensen are both still slated to take on starring roles.
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Blood Kiss (2014)
Plot Outline:
Blood Kiss revolves around detective Joe Belicek, who must solve the murder of a vampire before a deranged killer murders them to gain their power. Inspired by Film Noir, this supernatural thriller is set in Golden Age Hollywood with famous haunts like the Brown Derby making an appearance.
Project Status:
In Development. After launching and completing a successful Kickstarter fundraising campaign, Blood Kiss is officially in the pre-production stages. Directed by Emmy Award winning writer Michael Reaves, and starring none other than New York Times Bestselling Author Neil Gaiman, alongside Buffy the Vampire Slayer alum Amber Benson, Blood Kiss is one to keep an eye on. For more information as they develop and shoot the film, check out their Official Website.
[dcs_darkspliter size=”large” bottom=”20″]STYRIA (2013/2014)
Plot Outline:
Inspired by Sheridan Le Fanu’s “Carmilla,” STYRIA tells the story of a fragile, lonely teenage girl named Lara, who crosses the Iron Curtain with her estranged father, and unknowingly returns to her ancestral home.
Project Status:
In Development. Check out their Official Website for details.
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Van Helsing (2014)
Project Status:
In Development. With Tom Cruise already attached to this project, it’s getting some buzz. Rumor has it it’s going to be as far as you can imagine from the 2004 film of the same name starring Hugh Jackman. Gone will be all fantasy elements, with the tone and direction of the film more akin to what Nolan did with Batman in his already legendary Dark Knight Trilogy. Rupert Sanders, most recently known for Snow White and the Huntsman, is attached to direct.
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Dracula Untold (2014)
Project Status:
In Development. Luke Evans (Immortals, and pictured here in the Poe-themed drama The Raven) is the next actor who will fill the shoes of the legend we call Dracula. This one is said to be a true origins story, going further back in time than we’re usually accustomed to seeing in these films. Evans stars as a young Prince Vlad, fighting to save his wife and daughter, ultimately becoming the legendary monster of myth. Is it the beginning of a franchise series? One never knows.
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Harker (2014)
Project Status:
In Development. Had enough of Dracula yet? No? Neither have we. Directed by Eli Roth (who is the second director to be attached to this film), and starring Russell Crowe, Harker focuses on the classic Bram Stoker character of Jonathan Harker, re-imagined as a Scotland Yard detective hell-bent on capturing the infamous vampire Dracula. No word yet on who’s up for the titular role; Crowe is reported to be playing the vampire.
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What do you think about the upcoming films? Are there any you’re more excited to see than the rest? What about all these Dracula adaptation/re-imagined plot movies? Can we ever get enough? Let us know in the comment section below.