Zhao will write, direct and produce through his production company, Highwayman.
This new Dracula project, however, will be a far cry from the more traditional or even modern incarnations made over the years. Details are being kept in the coffin, but Zhao’s version is described as an original and futuristic science fiction western. Themes of being on the margins of society, something that Zhao addressed in his previous work, will run through the veins of the project.
“Chloé’s unique lenses illuminate stories of forgotten and misunderstood people,” said Universal Pictures President Peter Cramer. “We are excited to be working with her as she reimagines one of the most iconic outsider characters ever created.”
Zhao said, “I have always been fascinated by vampires and the concept of the Other that they embody. I am very excited to work with Donna, Peter and the Universal team to reimagine such a beloved character.”
Dracula’s vision of Zhao arises as the character sharpens his fangs to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Universal classic directed by Tod Browning and starring Bela Lugosi.
And it is the latest project to be injected into Universal’s lair, which houses a development based on the studio’s vast legacy of films and monsters. The studio for several years has reoriented its development towards an approach more focused on the filmmaker, towards a more innovative thought, not tied to any universe of shared history. Last year’s success Invisible Man it was a result of those works. Among the talents working on monstrous projects are Dexter Fletcher, Paul Feig, James Wan, Elizabeth Banks, Chris Miller and Phil Lord.
Zhao’s last film, Nomadland, explores those who live outside the confines of society in the vast landscape of the American West and stars Frances McDormand. It is also one of the most acclaimed films of 2020, Zhao one of the most persecuted filmmakers.
On Wednesday, the film received four Golden Globe nominations, including best film (drama), best script and best director, the latter making Zhao the first Asian woman to receive a Golden Globe nomination.
Previously, Nomadland won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival and the People’s Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival, the first film to win the main prize at both festivals.
In addition, the film won the Best Feature and Audience Award at the Gotham Awards and Best Film by the National Society of Film Critics. Zhao won the awards for best director at the Los Angeles Film Critics Association, the National Society of Film Critics, the New York Film Critics Circle and the San Francisco Film Critics Circle, as well as several awards for its assembly and adaptation of the script.
Universal may have claimed Zhao’s first project since the acclaim of Nomadland to hit, but the Dracula effort will not be her first big budget studio or feature film, as she’s currently in post-production in Eternals for Marvel Studios. This film currently has a release date on November 5, 2021.
Zhao is represented by Ilene Feldman Management, Simon Faber in Pangea and lawyer Linda Lichter.