Introducing the First Trailer for Dracula: A Love Tale (2025)

Prepare to be enthralled by the first glimpse of Dracula: A Love Tale, an upcoming gothic horror and romance film set to redefine the iconic vampire saga. Directed and written by acclaimed filmmaker Luc Besson, this 2025 adaptation of Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel Dracula promises a fresh, emotionally charged take on the legendary Count. Starring Caleb Landry Jones as Dracula, alongside Christoph Waltz and Matilda De Angelis, the film blends haunting visuals, intense romance, and supernatural intrigue. While no official trailer has been released as of April 17, 2025, this post explores the anticipation surrounding the film’s first trailer, based on available details about the production and its unique approach.

What to Expect from the Trailer

Although the official trailer for Dracula: A Love Tale has not yet been unveiled, industry updates suggest it will showcase the film’s romantic and gothic essence. Expect sweeping visuals of 15th-century Transylvania and 19th-century London, capturing the stark contrast between Dracula’s ancient origins and his modern pursuits. The trailer is likely to highlight Caleb Landry Jones’ transformative performance as Dracula, emphasizing his portrayal of a prince-turned-vampire driven by eternal love. Luc Besson has described the film as a “totally romantic approach,” focusing on Dracula’s 400-year wait for the reincarnation of his lost wife, so anticipate emotionally charged scenes between Dracula and his love interest, played by Zoë Bleu Sidel.

The trailer may also tease Christoph Waltz’s mysterious role, possibly as a priest, and Matilda De Angelis as Maria, adding layers of conflict and intrigue. With filming locations in Lapland and Paris, expect a cinematic feast of snowy landscapes, gothic castles, and elaborate period costumes, all underscored by Besson’s signature visual flair. The absence of a trailer so far has heightened anticipation, with fans eagerly awaiting a first look at Jones’ towering, makeup-heavy Dracula, as seen in behind-the-scenes images.

Plot Overview

Dracula: A Love Tale reimagines the classic tale as a romantic tragedy. The story begins in the 15th century, where a prince (Caleb Landry Jones), devastated by his wife Elisabeta’s death, renounces God and becomes the vampire Dracula. Centuries later, in 19th-century London, he encounters a woman resembling his late wife, sparking a passionate yet doomed pursuit that seals his fate. The film explores themes of love, loss, and madness, presenting Dracula not just as a monster but as a man consumed by longing. This origin story delves into the emotional core of Stoker’s novel, balancing horror with a poignant love story.

Cast and Characters

• Caleb Landry Jones as Dracula: Known for Get Out and X-Men: First Class, Jones transforms into the iconic vampire, complete with four hours of special effects makeup and platform shoes to enhance his towering presence. His performance is expected to blend intensity and vulnerability.
• Christoph Waltz as Priest (TBA): The Academy Award winner brings gravitas to a secretive role, possibly a religious figure opposing Dracula’s supernatural reign.
• Matilda De Angelis as Maria: A key figure in Dracula’s 19th-century story, Maria is central to the romantic narrative.
• Zoë Bleu Sidel as Elisabeta: Dracula’s 15th-century wife, whose death sets the tragic events in motion.
• Supporting roles include Haymon Maria Buttinger, Ivan Franek, and others, adding depth to the historical and supernatural settings.

Production Details

Directed by Luc Besson (Léon: The Professional, The Fifth Element), Dracula: A Love Tale is a passion project inspired by Besson’s admiration for Caleb Landry Jones, with whom he worked on Dogman (2023). Principal photography began in March 2024 in Lapland, Finland, and continued at Darkmatters studio in Paris, wrapping by late 2024. The film, produced by LBP Productions and EuropaCorp, is in post-production, with a release scheduled for July 30, 2025, in France and a TBA 2025 date in the US. Besson’s vision emphasizes the romantic elements of Stoker’s novel, aiming to explore the “mad” love story that drives Dracula’s transformation.

Addressing Fan-Made Trailers

Recent buzz around a supposed Dracula 2025 trailer featuring Keanu Reeves and Jenna Ortega has stirred excitement, but these are confirmed to be fan-made, AI-generated concepts using footage from films like Dracula Untold and Van Helsing. Created by channels like KH Studio, these trailers are artistic fabrications and not tied to Dracula: A Love Tale. Fans should be cautious of such viral content and await official releases from EuropaCorp or Universal Pictures. The real film, starring Jones and Waltz, is the one to watch.

Cultural Context and Anticipation

Dracula: A Love Tale arrives amid a resurgence of vampire stories, following Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu (2024), an unauthorized adaptation of Stoker’s novel. Besson’s film stands out by leaning into emotional depth rather than pure horror, aligning with modern trends in the genre that prioritize psychological complexity. The casting of Jones, a versatile actor with a knack for intense roles, and Waltz, a master of nuanced performances, fuels anticipation for a fresh take on Dracula. The trailer, when released, will likely set the tone for this bold reimagining, appealing to fans of gothic romance and classic horror alike.

Why the Trailer Matters

The first trailer for Dracula: A Love Tale will be a pivotal moment, offering audiences their initial taste of Besson’s vision. It’s expected to showcase the film’s high production values, from intricate costumes and makeup to atmospheric cinematography. For fans of Stoker’s novel, the trailer will reveal how closely the film hews to the source material while introducing its romantic spin. Given Besson’s track record for visually stunning films, the trailer is poised to generate significant buzz, potentially rivaling the excitement for recent vampire reboots.

Where to Watch the Trailer

As of April 17, 2025, no official trailer has been released. Fans should monitor official channels like EuropaCorp’s website, Universal Pictures’ YouTube channel, or social media platforms (e.g., X, Instagram) for updates. The trailer is expected to debut closer to the film’s July 2025 release, possibly in spring or early summer 2025. Avoid fan-made trailers, such as those featuring Keanu Reeves, to ensure you’re viewing authentic content. Check platforms like IMDb or MovieInsider for the latest updates on trailer releases.

Final Thoughts

Dracula: A Love Tale promises to breathe new life into a timeless myth, with its first trailer set to captivate audiences worldwide. Luc Besson’s romantic reimagining, paired with Caleb Landry Jones’ bold portrayal, positions this film as a standout in the vampire genre. As we await the official trailer, the anticipation builds for a story that intertwines love, loss, and the supernatural in a way only Besson can deliver. Stay tuned for the moment when Dracula’s eternal heart is revealed on screen.

“It’s a love story about a man who waits for 400 years for the reincarnation of his wife.” – Luc Besson