Samantha Barks Signs On For Universal’s ‘Dracula’

Les Miserables star Samantha Barks has joined the cast of Universal Pictures’ Dracula.

The latest take on Bram Stoker’s classic character already has a number of talented actors and actresses counted among the cast. Luke Evans is currently attached to star as the world’s most famous vampire while Game of Thrones alum Art Parkinson will portray his son Ingeras.

This version of Dracula will serve as an origin story for the character. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Evans plays a Transylvanian prince who puts his life on the line in order to save his family from evil.

Samantha Barks will portray a baba yaga in the upcoming flick. In short, she’s a witch that takes the form of a beautiful woman.

In addition to Barks and Evans, Universal’s tale recently added Thor Kristjansson and Charlie Cox. Dominic Cooper and Sarah Gadon are already a part of the cast. Director Gary Shore will make his feature-length debut with Dracula.

Production on the film is expected to begin this August in Bulgaria. Universal hopes to have the film in the can and in theaters by August 8, 2014.

Samantha Barks made her film debut with director Tom Hooper’s adaptation of the acclaimed Broadway show. She also starred as Zoe in the television series Groove High.

Before Dracula arrives on the big screen, Barks will appear in John Stephenson’s adaptation of author Max Lucado’s novel The Christmas Candle. Joining the actress in the flick are Hans Matheson, Lesley Manville, and Susan Boyle.

Luke Evans, meanwhile, is slated to play another iconic character in an upcoming motion picture. The busy actor was recently tapped to portray Eric Draven in the upcoming reboot of The Crow. The film doesn’t have a release date as of this writing.

What do you think about Samantha Barks joining Universal’s upcoming take on Dracula?

[Image via Joe Seer / Shutterstock.com]