Dexter Fletcher is leaving the rock biopic genre and going for something a bit more…horrific. According to a new report, it appears the filmmaker has decided to take on the legend of Dracula for the upcoming film “Renfield.”
Variety is reporting that Fletcher has signed on with Universal to direct “Renfield,” which is said to be a present-day film that puts a spin on the classic Dracula tale by focusing on the villain’s henchman, R.M. Renfield, who many believe is delusional. The film is written by “Rick & Morty” writer Ryan Ridley, based on an original pitch by ‘Walking Dead’ creator Robert Kirkman, who will produce the new film.
Now, even though “Renfield” joins the ranks of Universal’s new horror films, which include the forthcoming “The Invisible Man” from Blumhouse and Paul Feig’s upcoming “Dark Army,” it appears that the Fletcher-helmed film will continue the mandate set forth by the studio that allows for each film to exist on their own without being part of a larger connected universe. A…Dark Universe, you might say.
Should we be convinced that these films won’t all link together or crossover at some point, especially if they all turn out to be big hits? Well, that’s a whole different question, entirely.
As mentioned, Fletcher has recently broken out as a big-time filmmaker thanks to his rescue of “Bohemian Rhapsody” and his latest film, “Rocketman.” He recently signed on to direct the upcoming “Sherlock Holmes” threequel that is expected to be released in 2021. Odds are, “Renfield” will have to wait until the filmmaker is done with ‘Holmes 3.’
But hey, “Renfield” once again proves that Universal is still serious about relaunching its monsters, but not in the way you might be anticipating.