BBC and Netflix team up for ‘Sherlock’ writers’ new ‘Dracula’ period drama series

The new TV project from the creators of the BBC’s Sherlock has been officially given the green light.

It was first revealed in June 2017 that writers Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss were developing a new version of Dracula.

First published in 1897, Bram Stoker’s classic Gothic novel tells the story of Dracula’s attempt to move from Transylvania to England in search of new blood to spread the undead curse.

The BBC has announced this week that the series, titled simply Dracula, will be produced by Sherlock makers Hartswood Films and is a co-production between BBC One and Netflix.

The three 90-minute episodes will “re-introduce the world to Dracula, the vampire who made evil sexy.”

The press release confirms that, unlike Sherlock, the series won’t bring the story into the modern day and it will be set in Transylvania in 1897 as the blood-drinking Count draws his plans against Victorian London.

Writers and executive producers Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss commented: “There have always been stories about great evil. What’s special about Dracula, is that Bram Stoker gave evil its own hero.”

Piers Wenger, Controller of BBC Drama, added: “Steven and Mark’s ingenious vision for Dracula is as clever as it is chilling.

“In their talented hands the fans will experience the power of Bram Stoker’s creation as if completely anew. We are thrilled to be collaborating with them and the brilliant team at Hartswood on yet another iconic British series.”

It’s been rumoured that writer Mark Gatiss, who played Holmes’ brother Mycroft in Sherlock, might play the lead role in Dracula.

However, a BBC source said last year: “Casting is a long way off but the feeling is he probably won’t – but you never know.”

The complete Sherlock DVD box set is available to buy on Amazon here.

Dracula is expected to premiere on BBC One in the UK and on Netflix outside of the UK in late 2019.