When we heard that the studio behind "Twilight" would be producing a biopic about Vlad III, we naturally assumed there'd be some reference to the 15th century ruler's vampire legacy (Vlad the Impaler is the inspiration for the Dracula myth). But according to the writer of "Vlad," there will be no mention of the bloodsucking reputation made famous in Bram Stoker's classic novel. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Charlie Hunnam, who also stars on the hit TV series "Sons of Anarchy," admits it was a stipulation in the selling of his script that vampirism not be involved.
Instead, Hunnam describes the film as something between "Braveheart" and "300," though more historically accurate than the latter. "Vlad" will depict the full life of the Wallachian prince, through all his battles with the Ottoman Empire and the development of his mythological notoriety as Vlad the Impaler. Mostly though, Hunnam says the epic will focus on Dracula as a young man.
As for my thought that Hunnam might play the lead, the actor-turned-screenwriter says he doesn't want to get his hopes up since he's not a big name. He admits he'd at least like to play Vlad's younger brother. His first choice for the title character is Colin Farrell, who previously did the epic biopic thing with "Alexander." Other names Hunnam throws in for consideration include Christian Bale and Ryan Gosling, though he feels that the latter is not "100 percent right" for the part.
If the film is indeed focusing on a young Vlad, all of those actors may be a tad too old. Plus, Summit reportedly wants to "break new talent." Hunnam is a producer on "Vlad," yet he may not have much influence in the casting, which will also likely be determined by Brad Pitt's production company, Plan B, and director Anthony Mandler.
But without a big star, how will Summit sell this thing? I'm going to guess that despite the lack of vampires in the actual film, the studio will still market it as being about the original Edward Cullen.
Are you still interested in "Vlad" without the vampire connection? Who would you like to see star as the infamous prince?
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