Despite Renfield’s disappointing box office performance, director Chris McKay hints that Nicolas Cage’s Count Dracula could return. Cage’s performance as Dracula was energetic and delightfully bizarre, worthy of direct comparison with iconic portrayals of Bram Stoker’s vampire. McKay hints at how Dracula could return, while also teasing the potential appearance of Van Helsing.
Renfield director Chris McKay has left the door open for a possible return of Nicolas Cage’s Count Dracula, despite the film’s underwhelming box office reception. With only $26.7 million in worldwide box office earnings against a budget that was more than twice its earnings, Renfield fell short of Universal’s expectations. The studio had hoped to revitalize its classic monster characters through the Dark Universe, following the disappointment of their 2017 film, The Mummy. Although the movie boasted an intriguing premise and a talented cast led by Nicholas Hoult and Nicolas Cage, Renfield received mixed reviews from critics and struggled to reignite widespread interest in Universal’s monster universe.
However, McKay recently hinted in an interview with Empire magazine (via SyFy Wire) that Dracula’s story might not yet be over. Despite being dismembered by Renfield at the end of the film, McKay suggested that Dracula’s body could potentially come back together. He also hinted that the film set the stage for the introduction of the famous monster hunter Van Helsing in a potential sequel. McKay stated:
“Renfield’s going to cement those bits with holy water and then spread them out presumably around the world. But inside each of those cells, Dracula is still alive, and may eventually come back together.
There are choices that we made to suggest that there’s a world of vampire-hunters out there. It would not be a huge leap to suggest that Van Helsing would [still] be out there.”
Why Nicolas Cage’s Dracula Deserves A Second Outing
While Renfield had its flaws, one aspect that received unanimous praise was the decision to cast Nicolas Cage as the iconic vampire, Dracula. Known for his unique energy and eccentricities, Cage’s portrayal of Dracula was both energetic and delightfully bizarre, living up to the film’s teaser trailers’ promises. He managed to infuse the character with a perfect balance of comedy and creepiness, earning his portrayal a place alongside the more iconic renditions of Bram Stoker’s infamous bloodsucker.
Given the potential for Universal to continue with their classic monster universe, Nicolas Cage’s portrayal of Dracula still holds promise in drawing audiences back into this dark and captivating world. The actor himself has expressed interest in starring in his own solo Dracula movie. With a potential sequel or spinoff on the horizon, Cage’s Dracula could have the opportunity to take center stage without the distractions of supporting characters.
Although it remains uncertain whether Universal will proceed with a Renfield sequel or spinoff, excluding the actor responsible for the film’s standout and memorable performance would be unwise. Nicolas Cage’s Dracula has the potential to be a driving force in Universal’s plans for a successful classic monster universe, and fans are eager to see him return for more blood-curdling adventures.
