Syfy Gives Female-Led Van Helsing a Series Order
Debi Moore
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Taking a page from the Ghostbusters reboot playbook, Syfy has given a series order to “Van Helsing,” in which the main character has been reimagined as a female–in this case, she’s a descendant of Professor Abraham van Helsing, who was first introduced in the 1897 horror novel Dracula.
Per THR, the NBCUniversal-owned cable network is bringing “Van Helsing” to series with writer Neil LaBute set as showrunner. In this new interpretation, the central character is Vanessa Helsing, the next in a lineage of warriors who must lead mankind against a world controlled by vampires. When Vanessa is resurrected five years in the future, she learns vampires have taken over the world and that she possesses unique power over them. She is essentially humanity’s last hope to lead an offensive to take back what has been lost.
Production on the 13-episode first season will begin in January in Vancouver for a fall 2016 launch.
LaBute (Death at a Funeral, Lakeview Terrace) will executive produce with Simon Barry, Evan Tyler, Dave Brown, Daniel March, and Chad Oakes and Mike Frisley for Nomadic Pictures (“Fargo”). Nomadic Pictures will produce the series and distribute it within the U.S. Dynamic Television will handle international distribution.
“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.”
“‘Van Helsing’ represents a new mythology in sci-fi by challenging traditional vampire rules,” said Oakes, co-chairman of 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. Mike and I are thrilled to team up once again with the talented Neil LaBute to deliver an amazing series.”
“Van Helsing reimagines a classic story in a compelling new way, featuring a bold and complex heroine,” said Chris Regina, Syfy’s senior vp program strategy. “This high octane acquired original series will be a terrific addition to our lineup next year.”
Look for more soon as casting for the series firms up.
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