Universal’s Renfield is based on the iconic henchman from Bram Stoker’s Dracula, who finds himself disenchanted with his work life. After all, finding innocent victims for the Count day after day so he can grow more powerful isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Renfield is played by Nicholas Hoult (The Menu, Warm Bodies), with Nicolas Cage as Dracula.
Seeking a way out of his servitude to the vampiric master, the titular character is seen in the trailer attending a support group for toxic relationships. As he relays his somewhat relatable troubles to the group, they are paid a visit by Dracula himself. The trailer ends with a displeased Count showing the attendees what Renfield is really dealing with.
We also see in the trailer that Renfield is not simply a weak henchman but can take on powers of his own while battling armed robbers. It is then that he meets police officer Rebecca Quincy, played by Awkwafina (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Crazy Rich Asians), who struggles to fully grasp the situation. Will the servant escape his destiny and create a new one, or will Dracula’s power and influence be no match for free will?
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Renfield is directed by Chris McKay, who also helmed the 2021 Chris Pratt-starring Prime Video film The Tomorrow War and 2017’s The LEGO Batman Movie. The story is by Robert Kirkman (The Walking Dead, Invincible) and Ryan Ridley (Rick and Morty, Invincible). Also starring in the film is Shohreh Aghdashloo (The Expanse, The Flight Attendant), Ben Schwartz (Sonic the Hedgehog, Parks and Recreation), Brandon Scott Jones (Ghosts, Senior Year), and Caroline Williams (The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2, Sharknado 4: The 4th Awakens).
Check out the all-new poster and trailer below. The film will come to theaters nationwide on April 14th via Universal Pictures.
