Like a vampire pining for their long lost love, some stories are so timeless that creatives will continue adapting them into the modern age. Just as we saw with Guillermo del Toro’s lavish Frankenstein, a unique vision (and Christoph Waltz’s participation) can bring such tales from the page to the screen with a new and novel angle.

In the case of writer/director Luc Besson’s 2026 version of the story, a new trailer suggests that The Fifth Element creative has drawn inspiration from the past, while also making some interesting changes. You’ll see what I mean when you watch this domestic trailer released by Vertical Entertainment; ahead of the picture’s February 2026 debut:

Did anyone else familiar with the Dracula mythos notice something interesting in how this trailer frames the story? The reel above suggests that this variant of Bram Stoker’s classic is centered around “a relentless priest” (Christoph Waltz) and his hunt for Dracula (Caleb Landry Jones). Of course we still see the Count pursuing his beloved Mina (Zoë Bleu), and transform into a supernatural menace here and there.

At the same time, the meat of the conflict appears to be between The Cross and one of its most infamous heretics. Which leads to a question that formed while I was watching Dracula’s trailer; and this one’s a biggie.

Christoph Waltz shown sitting in a hospital in urgent conversation in Dracula.

What’s With The Changes To Jonathan Harker And Van Helsing?

Meanwhile, Dracula’s other protagonist, Jonathan Harker, isn’t mentioned or visually alluded to in this footage. While the character is in the movie, played by actor Ewens Abid, it doesn’t look like he’s a major part of the action. What’s even weirder is that Waltz’s character is an unnamed figure, and not traditional vampire hunter Van Helsing.

For a picture that looks to be taking some style cues from 1992’s iconic Bram Stoker’s Dracula, those potential decisions are even more interesting to ponder. If I’m being quite honest, these changes could make for an interesting new Dracula. Centering the battle between vampires and the church could lead to all sorts of commentary. 

Who could blame Luc Besson and his team for doing so, as casting Caleb Landry Jones and Christoph Waltz is a recipe for an intriguing horror drama? It certainly wouldn’t be as interesting to play this story to the letter, when so many before have already done so.

Seeing as this movie was already released in France (under the title Dracula: A Love Tale), my takes may already be staked through the heart. But I’m not interested in looking up spoilers, as this new chance to experience Dracula isn’t that far off on the calendar. Domestic audiences will find out soon enough, as Count Dracula’s castle opens its doors, only in theaters, on February 6, 2026. 

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