From Abraham to Vanessa, VAN HELSING Comes to Syfy
Syfy has acquired Van Helsing, a 13-episode sci-fi series from Nomadic Pictures.
The series begins production in January 2016 in Vancouver, BC, slated for a fall 2016 premiere. Neil LaBute serves as writer and showrunner on the drama, offering a new take on the Dracula myth.
“I am extremely excited to be working with Syfy and Nomadic Pictures to create a unique, character-driven action series that will move the traditional vampire tropes into bold and unexpected new territories” LaBute said in a statement. “This is a wonderful chance for us to forge great stories and unforgettable characters and throw them into a world where the stakes – both dramatic and personal – are tremendously high.”
Most recently, Van Helsing was adapted for the screen in Hugh Jackman’s 2004 Van Helsing, as well as for a couple episodes of Penny Dreadful in 2014. This time around, the story will focus on Vanessa Helsing, the daughter of Abraham Van Helsing, famous vampire hunter and Dracula nemesis.
Deadline reports the synopsis as, “[Vanessa] is resurrected five years in the future to find out that vampires have taken over the world and that she possesses unique power over them. She is humanity’s last hope to lead an offensive to take back what has been lost.”
“Van Helsing represents a new mythology in sci-fi by challenging traditional vampire rules,” said Chad Oakes, Co-Chairman of Calgary-based Nomadic Pictures. “The series is unique in exploring a world completely dominated by vampires, while the human characters have to learn the importance of working together to ensure their survival.”
Added Chris Regina, SVP, Program Strategy, Syfy,“Van Helsing reimagines a classic story in a compelling new way, featuring a bold and complex heroine.”
Van Helsing is produced by Nomadic Pictures. Executive Producers are Chad Oakes & Mike Frislev from Nomadic Pictures, LaBute, Simon Barry (Continuum), Evan Tyler (Industry Works), Dave Brown (Echo Lake Entertainment) as well as Daniel March (Dynamic).
