Post by JoannaL on Mar 28, 2022 2:02:37 GMT -5
Nicolas Cage Plays Dracula in 'Renfield'
Nicolas Cage, dressed in red from neck-to-toe, discussed his role as Dracula on the set of the upcoming horror movie Renfield, currently filming in New Orleans. In addition to his red velvet suit, he wore a crimson shirt, a huge gold pendant at his neck, several rings on his pasty fingers and dark, red leather ankle boots. Cage, 58, also was made up to appear very pale and his dark, slicked-back hair, sharp teeth and stiletto nails completed the “undead” look.
Back in November it was revealed that Cage would be playing Dracula to Nicholas Hoult’s Renfield, a character created by Bram Stoker in his 1897 novel. The movie, however, departs from the original storyline and instead of the 19th century, takes part in a contemporary setting.
Renfield, as he was in the novel, is confined in an insane asylum, where he is being treated for “zoophagous mania,” a condition in which he begins by eating insects and moves on to progressively larger animals.
In a December interview, Cage told a reporter he wants to bring “something new” to the Dracula character. “I want it to pop in a unique way from how we’ve seen it played. So I’m thinking to really focus on the movement of the character. You know, I saw Malignant and I thought what she did with those moves – and even Ringu with Sadako [Yamamura]. I want to look at what we can explore with this movement and voice.
“What makes it super fun is that it’s a comedy. And when you get that tone right – comedy and horror – like American Werewolf in London, it’s a blast,” he continued. “It’s got to be a bullseye. But that’s what I’m looking for, something new to bring to the character and also that perfect tone of comedy and horror.”
Speaking with GQ for the magazine’s April 2022 cover story, Cage teased he’s channeling his late father, August Coppola, for his role and dieting to resemble David Bowie in The Thin White Duke. “August Coppola’s coming back and he’s coming back as Dracula!” he quipped.
Sources: Justin Enriquez and Sameer Suri, The Daily Mail, March 25, 2022; and Benjamin VanHoose, People, March 23, 2022.
