Claes Bang has been cast as Dracula.
Claes Bang
The 51-year-old Danish actor has been handed the titular role in Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss' new mini-series for the BBC, inspired by Bram Stoker's classic novel.
He said: "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'. 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. 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' - which is being produced by Hartswood Films and is a co-production between BBC One and Netflix - has been commissioned by the BBC for three feature length episodes, set in Transylvania in 1897.
Hartswood and the writers said: "It was one of those moments - who else could it be than Claes! He has it all. Brilliant, gorgeous, charismatic, lethal. Tall, dark and gruesome all at once. Hell has a new boss."
Whilst Piers Wenger, Controller of BBC Drama, added: "Hell has a new boss ... and BBC One has an outstanding new leading man. To say we have lucked out with Claes would be to underestimate the supreme talents of Steven, Mark and the team at Hartswood and their knack for choosing the right actor to redefine an iconic role. Seriously exciting stuff."
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