Vertical has released a haunting new trailer for Luc Besson’s Dracula, offering American audiences their most compelling look yet at the filmmaker’s gothic romance fantasy ahead of its long-awaited U.S. theatrical debut. After premiering in France on July 30th, the reimagined classic is set to arrive in U.S. theaters on February 6th, 2026.
Far from a conventional vampire story, Dracula reframes the infamous legend as a tragic love story steeped in myth, vengeance, and destiny. According to the official synopsis, the film follows a 15th-century prince who renounces God after witnessing the brutal murder of his wife. Cursed with eternal life, he is reborn as Dracula—an immortal warlord driven by grief and obsession, determined to defy fate itself in a bloody crusade to reunite with his lost love, even as a relentless priest hunts him down.
Written and directed by Besson (Léon: The Professional, Taken), the film draws inspiration from Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel, while embracing a bold, operatic sensibility that blends romance, horror, and epic fantasy. Leading the cast is Caleb Landry Jones (Get Out), delivering a striking new incarnation of the Prince of Darkness. The project marks Jones’ second collaboration with Besson, following their 2023 thriller Dogman.
The ensemble cast includes Christoph Waltz, Zoë Bleu, Matilda De Angelis, Guillaume de Tonquedec, Ewens Abid, and Raphaël Luce, with Mark Canton, Dorothy Canton, Ryan Winterstern, and Philippe Corrot serving as executive producers. Clocking in at 129 minutes, the film leans fully into its gothic scope and emotional weight.
Since its international debut, Dracula has already earned a 78% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes, signaling a generally positive reception for Besson’s atmospheric and romanticized take on the iconic character. The newly released trailer further emphasizes the film’s lush visuals, sweeping score, and tragic tone. In doing so, it positions the film as a darker, more operatic alternative to recent vampire adaptations.
With its blend of gothic horror, epic romance, and philosophical defiance, Dracula aims to breathe new life into a timeless legend. U.S. audiences will finally get the chance to experience Besson’s vision when the film opens in theaters on February 6th, 2026.