Movies
Luc Besson’s ‘Dracula: A Love Tale’ Acquired by Vertical for Theatrical Release
From writer-director Luc Besson (Léon: The Professional, The Fifth Element), Dracula: A Love Tale has been acquired by Vertical.
Deadline reports that the horror fantasy romance is being lined up for a wide North American theatrical release in the first quarter of 2026.
Based on Bram Stoker‘s classic 1897 novel, the film stars Caleb Landry Jones (Get Out), Christoph Waltz (Django Unchained), and Zoë Bleu.
A 15th-century prince (Jones) who denounces God after the devastating loss of his wife inherits an eternal curse: he becomes Dracula. Condemned to wander the centuries, he defies fate and death itself, guided by a single hope – to be reunited with his lost love.
“This film is very close to my heart and has been a joy to create over the past two years. At its core, it’s a love story—Dracula seen in a different light, as a man searching for his lost love over 400 years,” said Besson. “It’s been incredible to see audiences connect with it around the world, and I’m thrilled to partner with Vertical to bring this story to North American audiences.”
“Luc is a singular visionary and his elevated take on the Dracula story is something only he could imagine,” added Vertical partner Peter Jarowey. “We are thrilled to be working with such a major creative entity and are proud to be bringing this film to North American audiences.”
Dracula: A Love Tale features a score composed by Danny Elfman (Batman, Men in Black).
Sunrise Films has announced the official North American release of William Bagley‘s horror comedy Hold the Fort, and it’s accompanied by an energetic new trailer.
Hold the Fort debuts on digital platforms on June 23.
In the film, “Lucas and Jenny think their life is finally coming together when the couple become homeowners. Little do they know that their new house comes with a big catch. Lucas and Jenny soon find themselves in a fight for their lives when they become trapped in a battle between their Homeowners Association and an onslaught of monsters from hell. The horror-comedy takes the timely concern of home-ownership and wraps this up in an entertaining action-packed thrill ride.“
Watch the new trailer below, which introduces one wild HOA gathering during an equinox. Things get bloody fast.
Chris Mayers (Adult Swim Yule Log), Haley Leary (“The Walking Dead”), Levi Burdick, and Julian Smith star.
William Bagley writes and directs, in addition to producing with Smith, Matt Dodd, Luke Williams, and Tim Reis (Adult Swim Yule Log).
Ahead of the release, Bagley said, “My goal with this film was to make a hilarious, fast-paced thrill ride while also telling a great story with heart. Hopefully, through all the blood, laughs, fights, and gags, you leave the film feeling inspired to tackle whatever life throws at you.“
Hold the Fort premiered at Fantasia last summer before going on to play FrightFest London, Toronto After Dark, and Beyond Fest.
I wrote in my review, “It’s an infectiously charming assemblage of jokes and monster vignettes bound together by a barebones plot with not much on its mind beyond delivering an entertaining time.”
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