Star of BBC’s new ‘Dracula’ period drama series teases what to expect

Claes Bang has revealed that his Dracula will be “charismatic, intelligent, witty and sexy.”

It was announced earlier this year that the award-winning Danish star will be taking on the title role in Dracula.

From the makers of Sherlock, the BBC and Netflix’s upcoming period drama series began filming in March.

The three 90-minute episodes will be set in Transylvania in 1897 as the blood-drinking Count draws his plans against Victorian London.

Discussing his casting, Claes Bang commented: “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.”

Best known for his roles in The Girl in the Spider’s WebThe Affair and Borgen, the 51-year-old actor hinted: “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.”

He added: “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.”

Dracula is expected to premiere in late 2019 or early 2020 on BBC One in the UK and on Netflix in the rest of the world.

The cast also includes Mark Gatiss (Sherlock), Joanna Scanlan (No Offence), Dolly Wells (Can You Ever Forgive Me?), John Heffernan (The Crown), Morfydd Clark (Patrick Melrose) and Lujza Richter (Phantom Thread).

Originally 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 complete Sherlock DVD box set is available on Amazon.