Renfield director Chris McKay reveals the film is a surprise sequel to 1931's Dracula. McKay, who previously directed The Lego Batman Movie and The Tomorrow War, is at the helm of the horror comedy that stars Nicolas Cage as Dracula and Nicholas Holt as the titular Renfield. The film is based on an idea from The Walking Dead and Invincible creator Robert Kirkman, with the story focusing on Dracula's henchman dealing with an unhappy work life.
While speaking with Collider, McKay revealed that Renfield is a direct sequel to Tod Browning's 1931 Dracula starring Bela Lugosi. The sequel angle has been kept under wraps, with the director even suggesting that it should have been part of the marketing, playing up the time between the original film and the new sequel. While there is still an air of mystery surrounding the film, its status as a sequel helps refocus what has been shown in promotional material. Check out McKay's comments on Renfield being a secret Dracula sequel below:
"I kept telling marketing that that’s what we should say, that this is the only direct sequel. I guess you could argue 'Dracula’s Daughter' is a sequel because the opening scene is the aftermath of the Tod Browning movie, but Bela Lugosi’s not in it, it’s a whole different set of characters. And it’s a great movie, it’s wild if you haven’t seen it. I thought the movie was great. But to me, this is the only real direct sequel with the Dracula and the Renfield of that movie. So yeah, I wish they’d use that in the marketing. I think that would’ve been a funny way of positioning this movie. The longest time between the original movie and the sequel, beating 'Psycho,' or whatever. I guess 'Avatar' maybe now, since it feels like a long time since the first one."
What To Expect From Renfield Now That It's A Known Dracula Sequel
Browning's 1931 Dracula is a classic horror film, with Lugosi's portrayal often cited as the template for those who would follow in his footsteps. While Renfield will set a new record for the longest time between sequels, beating the 64-year gap between Bambi and Bambi II, it also redefines what has been shown in trailers. The film is said to be based on an original idea from Kirkman, which is still valid in terms of expanding on the original but means he had a more defined jumping-off point than previously known.
Cage has also stated that his Dracula performance has taken inspiration from Christopher Lee's and other actors who played the role. While Lee's time as Dracula has become iconic, Cage will likely blend different interactions, including Lugosi's performance. Cage looks to provide an intense and eccentric performance, making the character work his own. In an interview with ScreenRant, McKay stated that he shot "Hoult and Cage on a green screen and [they were] comped into the Tod Browning movie," recreating their initial meeting.
Dwight Frye played Renfield in the 1931 Dracula, with Holt now taking on the role. Given that it's a direct follow-up, Holt will be playing the same character as Frye's Renfield. However, the film's tone is the most significant change from 1931's Dracula to Renfield. Dracula was a horror film, while Renfield is a horror comedy, playing the henchman's predicament for laughs. What further surprises Renfield has in store will be revealed when the movie releases on April 14.
Source: Collider/ScreenRant
