Netflix to Produce “Castlevania” Series

Dark-fantasy and action-adventure come together beautifully in the critically acclaimed video game Castlevania. However, fans of the series may be surprised to learn that Internet-based streaming platform Netflix has opted to produce an animated television series based on the game, set to premiere on July 7!

First released for NES in 1986, Castlevania began an epic series that would span nearly 30 years and contain over 30 titles. Vampires, werewolves, monsters galore haunt this series, paying homage and parody to films such as Dracula and The Mummy. The Castlevania series plot centers around the Belmont family, a clan of vampire hunters; within the first video game is Simon Belmont, who seeks to kill Dracula in his demonic castle which bears the titular game title’s name. Notable protagonists also include Alucard, the son of Dracula, and Soma Cruz, the near-reincarnation of Dracula. The numerous games within the series are generally well received and enjoyed, though some of the games have scored lower than the others; the best reviewed games in the series include Symphony of the Night, Circle of the Moon, Dawn of Sorrow, and Aria of Sorrow.

The Netflix produced series was first teased by producer Adi Shankar (produced 2011’s The Grey) in 2015, planning to be based on Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse. This has since been confirmed, due to the game’s in-depth look into the lore of Castlevania. Shankar is set to run the series, which will be direct by Sam Deats, co-produced by Frederator Studios’ Fred Seibert (formerly of Hanna-Barbera) and Kevin Kolde, and written by Warren Ellis (writer of the comic series “Red” which was adapted into two films in 2010 & 2013). Powerhouse Animations Studios, the studio behind shorts and commericals for brands such as Old Spice, Mountain Dew, and GoDaddy.com, will be animating the series.

The first official trailer for the series was released on the Latin American Netflix Twitter account on May 24, later releasing an English language version shortly thereafter. The series is speculated to only contain four 30-minute episodes, but there is a possibility of more to come, as a second season is scheduled for 2018. While some may be worried that the nostalgia of their early childhood favourite will be spoiled by a television adaption, there is hope that they may be proven wrong.