Luc Besson’s 'Dracula' Revives an Old Legend: Who Was the Real Vlad the Impaler and Why Did Europe Fear Him?
The film hits theaters this fall.
Luc Besson’s Dracula: A Love Tale, which already premiered in some countries in summer 2025, has reignited fascination with the world’s most famous vampire legend. The real story of Vlad the Impaler, the 15th-century ruler of Wallachia, has been tangled in myth and terror for centuries — until it grew into a cultural phenomenon.
The Legend of Dracula
Vlad III, known as 'Tepes', lived in the 1400s and became infamous for his cruelty. According to chronicles, he impaled enemies on stakes, earning the name 'Dracula' — the 'son of the dragon.' His reign was marked by wars with the Ottomans, brutal justice, and a reputation that spread across Europe.
Folklore turned him into something more than a warlord: stories gave him mystical power and even immortality. Over time, this image fused with the vampire myth — eternal darkness, forbidden desire, and deathless hunger.
The legend took its most famous form in 1897, when Bram Stoker’s Dracula brought the count into literature. From there, he became one of horror’s greatest icons, inspiring countless films and reinventions.
Besson’s Dracula (2025)
Luc Besson reimagines the myth not as a pure horror, but as a tragic love story. His Dracula (played by Caleb Landry Jones!) is willing to give up everything for eternal love with Elizabeth (Zoë Bleu).
The story spans centuries — from the 14th to the 19th — showing how the count chose immortality in order to wait for his beloved’s rebirth. It’s less about monsters and more about passion, curse, and the haunting mix of history and myth.
And I have to admit — the casting thrilled me. Caleb Landry Jones as Dracula feels like an inspired choice, and I’m honestly excited to see what he does with the role. The moment I saw the trailer, I thought: this might be the most intriguing take on the character in years.
