Why the creators of the 2020 Dracula series reimagined the vampire as a protagonist
In short: Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat, the duo behind the hit series Sherlock, returned to television in 2020 with a bold, three-part adaptation of Bram Stoker's classic. By positioning the Count as the hero of his own story, they challenged traditional tropes, blending horror and humor to modernize the legendary bloodsucker.
Development of the series began in June 2017, with the BBC officially commissioning the project in October 2018. The creators aimed to strike a balance between faithfulness to the 1897 novel and a willingness to ignore or invent elements, a strategy they previously employed with their Sherlock adaptation. Claes Bang was cast as the eponymous lead in November 2018, portraying a version of the character that is the central focus of the narrative rather than a shadowy villain.
The production process was deeply rooted in horror history. Filming commenced on 4 March 2019 and concluded on 1 August 2019, utilizing locations in Slovakia such as Orava Castle, Banská Štiavnica, and Zuberec. Crucially, the production also took place at Bray Studios in Berkshire, a site historically significant as the base for Hammer Film Productions, the studio famous for its own iconic Dracula films during the 1950s. This connection underscored the series' intent to engage with the character's cinematic legacy.
The series premiered on BBC One on 1 January 2020, airing over three consecutive days, followed by a Netflix release on 4 January. While some viewers speculated about the nature of the Count's relationships, Moffat clarified that the character is not bisexual, but rather 'bi-homicidal,' emphasizing that his interactions are driven by predation rather than romance. The show received generally favorable reviews, holding a 71% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a score of 75 out of 100 on Metacritic.
Beyond the screen, the marketing campaign became a notable success. BBC Creative and Talon Outdoor installed billboards in London and Birmingham featuring wooden stakes that cast a shadow of the Count after sunset. These installations, which included a 'break glass' case for emergencies, won media awards and significant recognition. Despite Bang expressing interest in a second series, the creators have remained non-committal about the show's future, noting that while vampires have a habit of returning, there are currently no concrete plans.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Dracula (2020 TV series)
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