Claes Bang Set As Lead In BBC One's 'Dracula' – TVWise

BBC One has found their Dracula. Danish actor Claes Bang (Borgen, The Bridge) has been set as the lead in the channel’s new Dracula series from Sherlock co-creators Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss.
This new take on the classic Bram Stoker novel will re-introduce the world to Dracula, the vampire who made evil sexy. In Transylvania in 1897, the blood-drinking Count is drawing his plans against Victorian London. And be warned: the dead travel fast.
“Hell has a new boss… and BBC One has an outstanding new leading man”, said Piers Wenger, Controller of BBC Drama. “To say we have lucked out with Claes would be to underestimate the supreme talents of Steven, Mark and the team at Hartswood and their knack for choosing the right actor to redefine an iconic role. Seriously exciting stuff…”
Dracula will consist of three feature-length episodes – essentially the same format as Sherlock. It was commissioned by the BBC’s Director of Content Charlotte Moore and the BBC’s Controller of Drama Piers Wenger. Netflix is on board as a co-producer and will serve as the global broadcaster for the series (excluding the UK). Hartswood Films are producing, with co-creators Moffat and Gatiss penning the scripts. The executive producers are Mark Gatiss, Steven Moffat and Sue Vertue for Hartswood Films, Ben Irving for BBC and Larry Tanz for Netflix. Filming gets underway in 2019.
“I am thrilled to be taking on the role of Dracula, especially when the script is in the hands of the incredible talents of Steven Moffat, Mark Gatiss and the team responsible for Sherlock”, added Claes Bang. “I’m so excited that I get to dig in to this iconic and super-interesting character. Yes he’s evil, but there’s also so much more to him, he’s charismatic, intelligent, witty and sexy. I realise that there’s a lot to live up to with all the amazing people that have played him over the years, but I feel so privileged, to be taking on this incredible character.”