The new 'Blacula' reboot will explore 'a metropolitan city post-coronavirus pandemic'

By Megan Armstrong | Last updated Jun 18, 2021 10:21 PM ET

Variety exclusively reported Thursday (June 17) that a new Blacula "reimagining" the original 1972 film is in the works from MGM, Bron and Hidden Empire Film Group. The latter's Deon Taylor will direct and co-write the script with Micah Ranum.

"The reboot picks up where the original saga left off, after the 1973 sequel Scream Blacula Scream, and will be set in a metropolitan city post-coronavirus pandemic," Angelique Jackson relayed.

An official description of the project was also provided:

"Blacula is an ancient African prince who is cursed by Dracula after he fails to agree to end the slave trade. Blacula is entombed and awakens 200 years later ready to avenge the death of his ancestors and of those responsible for robbing his people of their work, culture and heritage as they appropriated it for profit."

We’re thrilled to announce that we’re teaming with @MGMStudios and @HiddenEmpireFG on #Blacula, a modern reimagining of the 1972 blaxploitation horror film. “Blacula is arguably one of the most prestigious Black franchises and so important to the culture as it… (1/3) pic.twitter.com/pcafl9hIAA
— BRON (@BronStudios) June 17, 2021

…a metropolitan city post-coronavirus pandemic, following the beloved vampire as he thirsts for vengeance. Based on a script written by Hidden Empire’s Deon Taylor and Micah Ranum (The Silencing). @DeonTaylorEnt will direct. (3/3)
— BRON (@BronStudios) June 17, 2021

Blacula and Scream Blacula Scream each starred the late William Marshall as the titular vampire. Denise Nicholas as well as the late Vonetta McGee and Thalmus Rasulala rounded out the cast of Blacula, while Pam Grier and the late Don Mitchell joined the sequel.

The first installment was directed by William Crain, the second by the late Bob Kelljan. Both counted Joan Torres and Raymond Koenig as screenwriters.

Megan Armstrong

Megan Armstrong (@megankarmstrong) is a writer whose work has appeared in places such as Billboard, GQ, Esquire, Bleacher Report, Uproxx, and others. Megan has also produced various podcasts and hosted a daily radio show at Mizzou. She grew up obsessed with sports — impressing adults by memorizing NFL statistics as a kindergartner — and grew into an obsession with music

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