Universal’s upcoming Renfield has made another addition to its cast. According to Variety, Ben Schwartz (Sonic the Hedgehog) is set to star alongside Nicholas Hoult, Nicolas Cage and Awkwafina in the Dracula themed film.
Schwartz’s character is being kept under wraps. Little is know about Renfield, but unlike most adaptations of Dracula it will be set in the present day rather than a period piece from the novel’s original setting. Hoult is playing Renfield, Dracula’s loyal and brainwashed henchman, while Cage will play the infamous vampire. Awkwafina’s character is also unknown at this time.
Renfield is being directed and produced by Chris McKay (The LEGO Batman Movie) from a story by The Walking Dead co-creator Robert Kirkman.
Renfield’s character originated in Bram Stoker’s 1897 Dracula novel. A patient in an asylum, he develops an obsession with eating insects and drinking blood, which he believes will bring him immortality. The character is obsessed with Dracula, bowing at his feet and doing his bidding. Dracula is known for feeding him insects and rats while he forever dangles everlasting life in front of him.
Schwartz’s next project will see him once again voicing Sonic in the upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog 2. Watch the trailer here.
Ricky Church – Follow me on Twitter for more movie news and nerd talk.