When we hear the word “Dracula,” we think of “evil” and things that are horrific. However, Dracula is one of the most iconic characters in the horror genre. It has been terrifying watchers of horror movies for decades now. And it has been played by a wide array of actors. Let’s see who the top 10 actors who have played the role of Dracula are.
One of them includes actor Nicolas Cage, who played the role of Dracula in Universal’s movie ‘Renfield,’ which is set to be released in April 2023. It is based on the origin story of Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel, “Dracula.” With this, let us dive pack into a list of actors who have played the role of Dracula in different movies.
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1. Christian Camargo
Christian Camargo recreates the role of Bram Stocker’s famous vampire Dracula in the movie ‘Penny Dreadful.’ It is a horror drama series, that goes back to the origin stories of characters such as Dorian Gray and Victor Frankenstein. In the show, as Christian plays Dracula, he is also shown to be playing the role of a zoologist called Alexander Sweet.
2. Richard Roxburgh
Richard Roxburgh is seen playing the role of the diabolical Count Dracula, in Stephen Sommers horror movie, ‘Van Helsing.’ It is a 2004 horror film, also starring Hugh Jackman as the main lead. In the film, Richard, or the Dracula, has the power to transform into bat whenever they want. The movie became a hit at the box office.
3. Frank Langella
Frank Langella played the role of Dracula, not only on screen but also in theatre. Langella started with Broadway first in its 1977 production, which also went up for a Tony Awards nomination. Later on, it was adapted to the big screen, with Langella reprising the role. Langella frankly mentioned that he wanted to depict the character in a very different way than it is mostly portrayed as, showing him to be a vulnerable and erotic creature.
4. Luke Evans
In the 2014 adaption of Bram’s novel of Dracula, called the ‘Dracula Untold,’ Luke Evans as the main role shook things up in comparison to the original story. In this fantasy action adaptation, the Dracula was shown as an alter ego of the Romanian ruler Vlad III. Here, Evan’s character is actually portrayed as a hero, trying to save his family and land.
5. Claes Bang
In the adaptation of Dracula starring Claes Bang with the iconic role, this BBC One horror is a three episode drama. This drama, called ‘Dracula’ focuses on the backstory of Count, and his experiences and battles of his origins. The character and show is shown to be absolutely terrifying.
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6. Max Schreck
Bram Stoker’s novel Dracula’s first ever theatrical adaptation was the 1922 silent horror film called ‘Nosferatu.’ This film featured Mark Schreck with the main role, or as the Dracula. It is considered as one of the best silent films of all time. However, there was also a controversy of this film being unauthorized.
7. Christopher Lee
Christopher Lee is a famous actor, and was very adored too when the played the role of the fanged fiend Dracula. Lee played the role of this cape wearing villain for a period of 15 years, in a series of seven Hammer films. As mentioned in reports, Lee was not always very pleased with certain directions, but nevertheless, his portrayal set a landmark.
8.Gary Oldman
The 1992 horror film ‘Bram Stoker’s Dracula’ features Gary Oldman as the, no doubt, Count Dracula. The cast is led by very famous actors along with Oldman including Winona Ryder and Anthony Hopkins. However, Oldman is seen to have done an amazing job in his role of a Dracula who is trying to reunite with his long lost love.
9. Bela Lugosi
Bela Lugosi helped to give the notorious character of Dracula a different figure, when he came out with this role in a black cape and fangs. In this 1931 supernatural horror, Lugosi first portrayed this role in a Broadway production, before coming on to the big screen. The film follows Lugosi as a blood sucking creature that travels to England in search of new victims.
10. Leslie Nielsen
Leslie Nielsen played the role of the Count Dracula in this 1995 comedy called ‘Dracula: Dead and Loving it.’ This film by Mel Brooks is a very different approach to Bram Stocker’s original novel. And also with all the previously aired Dracula movies. As mentioned Ranker in Nielsen’s inspiration for this role was primarily taken from Bela Lugosi.
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