Hot off her Golden Globe noms for “Nomadland,” Chloé Zhao has signed on to write, direct, and produce “Dracula” for Universal Pictures. The auteur will be putting a fresh spin on the classic vampire story, Described as “an original, futuristic, sci-fi Western,” the pic will include “themes of being on society’s fringes,” according to The Hollywood Reporter.
“I’ve always been fascinated by vampires and the concept of the Other they embody,” said Zhao. She hinted that she’s excited to “reimagine such a beloved character.”
Peter Cramer, president of Universal Pictures, commented, “Chloé’s singular lens shines a light on stories of the overlooked and misunderstood. We are thrilled to be working with her as she reimagines one of the most iconic outsider characters ever created.”
Zhao just received a Best Director nod from the Golden Globes for “Nomadland,” her third feature. She’s one of three women competing for the prize, marking the first time in the awards’ 78-year history that more than one woman has been recognized in the category. She’s nominated alongside Regina King for “One Night in Miami” and Emerald Fennell for “Promising Young Woman.”
“Nomadland’s” other Globe nominations include Best Motion Picture, Drama and Best Screenplay.
Led by Frances McDormand, “Nomadland” tells the story of a woman who starts living in her camper van and traveling across the American West in the aftermath of the Great Recession.
Zhao is currently in post-production on Marvel Studios’ “The Eternals.” The blockbuster’s cast includes Angelina Jolie and Gemma Chan. The writer-director made her feature debut with 2015’s “Songs My Brothers Taught Me” and followed it up with 2017’s “The Rider.”
