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Can Netflix's 'Castlevania' Break Dracula's Curse?

Netflix hopes to capitalize on video game adaptations and the Bram Stoker story.

By E.J. V'KantyPublished 7 years ago 2 min read
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Image credit: Netflix

Netflix is taking a big gamble on their next project. Bram Stoker's Dracula and pretty much any video game adaptation have one thing in common, when it comes to adapting them for the screen, large or small. They're both subject to audiences with a love for the original content and that means any new adaptation has to get by steadfast fans if it's going to be a success.

The Story Behind Netflix's 'Castlevania' Source Material

Image credit: Netflix

Netflix just released the four episode premiere of Castlevania and, as The Verge shares, this video game adaptation may succeed where so many others have failed. The animated series is an adaptation of 1990's Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse, a Nintendo Entertainment System game, which, in itself, used Bram Stoker's Dracula as source material.

Instead of casting either Jonathan Harker or Abraham Van Helsing as the protagonists, Castlevania introduces vampire hunter Trevor Belmont as the lead character. Belmont takes it upon himself to hunt down Dracula and his undead armies in order to bring peace back to 15th century Europe. While Trevor starts out as a lone crusader in Castlevania, he soon teams up with a motley collection of partners. Joining Belmont is Sypha, a sorceress, a pirate named Grant, and Alucard, the son of the infamous vampire.

The premise of Castlevania is purposely vague, leaving plenty of wiggle room for the development of future story arcs. Presumably, Trevor and his crew will never permanently put Dracula out of commission. After all, he is the primary villain, so an end to him means an end to the Netflix series. Yet, as untold legions of supernatural beings scour the cities of 15th century Europe, Trevor Belmont and his crew may have their hands full for quite awhile.

Can Netflix Deliver A Compelling Dracula In 'Castlevania'?

Image credit: Netflix

There have been a few good adaptations of Bram Stoker's Dracula over the years and even some of the less faithful versions of the iconic vampire have found cult followings, but there have been just as many (if not more) failures. The same can be said of video game adaptations with Resident Evil being one of the more successful franchises derived from video game source material.

That all leaves Netflix in the precarious position of facing a double whammy with their Castlevania adaptation, but Decider points out that the talent behind Castlevania may make the difference. This story doesn't just feature one of the greatest villains in literary history. It also taps the creative talent of Adi Shankar, who has been called the "Quentin Tarantino of the digital generation," as well as Warren Ellis (Iron Man 3, Red).

Additionally, Castlevania animators have gone to great lengths in creating a stunning visual landscape upon which to tell Trevor Belmont's story.

Combining top animation, a classic story, and gifted creators, Netflix may succeed with Castlevania where other video game adaptations have failed.

Castlevania, starring Richard Armitage, Tony Amendola, and James Callis, is currently streaming on Netflix.

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About the Creator

E.J. V'Kanty

Copywriter, blogger, and fiction writer. My interests include horror movies, rock/metal music, outdoor activities, and traveling. I'm an animal lover and a Gen X survivor.

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