Who Is Luke Evans, The New Dracula in ‘Dracula Untold’?
As the newest vampire movie, Dracula Untold, is set to open in the U.S. this Friday, many are wondering who Luke Evans is and where he came from. In this version of the classic story he is taking on the first leading role of his career and those who didn’t know the handsome Welsh will soon discover that he is more than capable of carrying such a character.
Believe it or not, Luke Evans began his career in musical theater (yes, the guy can sing — and very well! Check out this video) in London’s West End. He starred in plays such as Miss Saigon, La Cava, Taboo, and Rent, playing central roles and finally was discovered by a casting agent, who was impressed by his performance and wanted him for the role of Apollo in the 2010 remake of Clash of the Titans.
Even though he’s been in several period dramas, to say that Evans has made an effort not to be typecast would be an understatement. His resume is eclectic and he has proven time and time again that, even though some of the movies he’s been cast in haven’t been box office blockbusters, he’s had mostly positive reviews from hard to please critics.
Another thing that makes this new Dracula so appealing is his screen presence. Whether he is playing a Greek god, a swashbuckling musketeer or a villain, Luke Evans makes the best of his time in front of the camera.
But if you expect to see your typical vampire movie in Dracula Untold, you will be sorely disappointed. As the title indicates, this side of the story has never been told before. Director Gary Shore — who is making his movie debut — is showing the audience the man behind the monster and the focus of the story is on the relationship Vlad Tepes (the Impaler) has with his wife, Mirena (Sarah Gadon), and his young son before becoming the Prince of Darkness we all know.
One of the most interesting facial features Luke Evans has — which makes him a very credible vampire — are his real life fangs. The 35-year-old says he has been asked by multiple people whether he had those put in his mouth… what? Of course he didn’t, he was born with them and according to co-star Sarah Gadon, he was “biologically predisposed to play Dracula,” to which Evans agrees.
It has been a meteoric rise to fame for the easy going, fun loving, freckled face Welshman with the raspy voice and you may recognize him from his previous roles, but with Dracula Untold he is hoping to enter a new chapter in his career, that of leading man. Luke Evans has certainly come a long was from his humble beginnings in his hometown of Aberbargoed, where his family still lives and now Hollywood will hopefully take note so we can see this charismatic star in our big and small screens often.
Watch a video about Luke Evans, the star of Dracula Untold, here.
[Image via Universal]
