Luc Besson, known for iconic films like Léon and The Fifth Element, has encountered recent setbacks, including the failure of Valérian and the City of a Thousand Planets and the underwhelming Dogman. Nevertheless, he is set to present a new adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, set in Belle Époque Paris, focusing on the romantic aspects of the story. The film, featuring Caleb Landry Jones and Christoph Waltz, is slated for release in French theaters on July 30, 2025.
Luc Besson’s Recent Challenges in Filmmaking
Luc Besson, renowned for his cult classics like Nikita, The Fifth Element, Léon, and The Big Blue, has faced a string of disappointments in recent years. Notably, his ambitious project Valérian and the City of a Thousand Planets, with a staggering budget of $200 million, failed to recoup its costs. Additionally, the forgettable Anna, released in 2019, and the 2023 commercial flop Dogman, which garnered a mere $4 million against a $20 million budget, have raised questions about his recent choices.
A New Take on a Timeless Classic
Despite these hurdles, Besson is gearing up to unveil a fresh interpretation of a literary classic. He is set to tackle the iconic tale of Dracula, originally penned by Bram Stoker in 1897. While numerous filmmakers have offered their renditions, including Francis Ford Coppola’s celebrated version in 1992 and Gary Shore’s lackluster Dracula Untold in 2014, Besson’s vision promises a unique twist. This adaptation will unfold in the enchanting Paris of the Belle Époque, where Dracula encounters a woman eerily resembling his long-lost wife from centuries past.
Filming wrapped up in July, with Besson discussing the project in an interview with Collider in March 2024. He emphasized the romantic essence of his interpretation, stating, “It’s a totally romantic approach. There is a romantic side in Bram Stoker’s book that has not been much explored. It’s a love story about a man who waits 400 years for the reincarnation of his wife. That’s the true heart of the story, waiting an eternity for the return of love.”
The film boasts a talented cast, including Caleb Landry Jones reprising his role as Dracula from Dogman, alongside Christoph Waltz as a vampire-hunting priest. Zoe Bleu, daughter of Rosanna Arquette, will portray both Dracula’s wife and the woman he meets in Paris.
Mark Your Calendars for the Release
If you’re eager to see this new portrayal of Dracula, you won’t have to wait long. According to Le Film Français, the film is scheduled to premiere in French theaters on July 30, 2025. This release comes just months after Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu, which debuted in December. While the film will be distributed internationally, release dates may vary by country.
As anticipation builds, fans of the vampire genre can look forward to Besson’s romantic take on this timeless tale, promising a fresh and captivating cinematic experience.