Jonathan Rhys Meyers to play Dracula in new Sky drama series

US broadcaster NBC has teamed up with Sky Living to co-commission Dracula, which is billed as a “provocative,” “sexy” and “updated” version of Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel.

Downton Abbey’s makers Carnival Films & Television will act as producers on the drama, which finds the blood-sucking Count arriving in London and posing as an American entrepreneur who claims he wants to introduce Victorian society to modern science.

However, he’s secretly seeking revenge on the people who ruined his life centuries ago, but finds his plans thwarted when he falls head over heels in love with a woman who seems to be a reincarnation of his long-dead wife.

President of NBCUniversal International Television Production, Michael Edelstein said: "We are delighted that Jonathan Rhys Meyers has chosen this project to return to television and have built an amazing team of producers behind the camera to deliver this extraordinary show."

Antonia Hurford-Jones, Acting Director, Sky Living added: "As one of the nation's most iconic literary characters, this new incarnation of Dracula feels like the perfect fit for our Sky Living audience. It's an extremely exciting time for the channel and this co-production with NBCUniversal marks the start of big things to come."

Production on Dracula will begin later this year and we'll keep you posted on further details for the project as they become available.