Marvel Studios' Eternals director Chloe Zhao will take on the infamous Universal Pictures monster Dracula in a new film that's reported to be in the style of a"futuristic sci-fi western". Zhao will stake it out as a writer, director, and producer of the film.
In late September of 2018, Zhao was hired by Marvel Studios to direct the upcoming superhero film, Eternals, which will star a diverse and talented cast including Angelina Jolie and Kumail Nanjiani. As recently as January, Zhao stated that she will also be a credited writer on the film. Not much else is known about the upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe movie at the moment, but the official synopsis states: "The saga of the Eternals, a race of immortal beings who lived on Earth and shaped its history and civilizations."
Zhao boarding the Dracula movie, first reported by The Hollywood Reporter, follows Universal's continued push to hire acclaimed and talented directors to helm their future monster films. Audiences recently saw director Leigh Whannell's take on the Invisible Man in the 2020 film of the same name. The film depicted the Invisible Man as an abusive partner, gaslighting and tormenting his ex-girlfriend, played brilliantly by Elizabeth Moss. The film earned high praise for its original and haunting modern-day take on the character.
Universal's push to create a shared universe for their legendary monsters started back in 2014 with Dracula Untold and continued in 2017 with The Mummy, starring Tom Cruise. Neither film was particularity popular with audiences and critics alike, but after Whannel's unique take on The Invisible Man, it appears the studio will continue to attempt a new direction for these films.
Not much is known about the next Dracula film, or what its sci-fi western setting will entail, but it's certainly an original take on the world's most famous bloodsucker. Other upcoming Universal Monster adaptations include Elizabeth Banks' The Invisible Woman and Ghostbusters director Paul Feig's Dark Army.
Zhao was recently nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Director for her work on 2020's Nomadland, making her the first Asian American woman to receive a nomination for this award. She also received a screenwriting nomination for the film, which has received high critical praise, and already won several awards including The Peoples Choice Award at TIFF and the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival.
Eternals is currently scheduled for release on November 5th, 2021.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter