Nicolas Cage steps into the role of Dracula with bold clarity in Renfield, a film directed by Chris McKay that blends horror with sharp comedy. The actor explained in an interview with EFE on Thursday that this new portrayal of the Prince of Darkness felt surprisingly fitting, offering a version of the vampire that can be both monstrous and strangely sympathetic.
Nicolas Cage treats Dracula as a character with feelings, not just a monster, and his performance anchors the film alongside a story that leans into the complexities of toxic relationships. McKay’s latest feature weaves humor with horror, using Dracula’s grand presence to illuminate the fragility and danger of control in intimate dynamics.
In this fresh take, Dracula maintains an interdependent relationship with Renfield, a dynamic central to the film’s modern twist on the classic myth. Written by Ryan Ridley and inspired by an original concept by Robert Kirkman, the story follows Renfield, who has spent centuries serving a powerful figure and now wonders if true life exists beyond that shadow.
The young assistant, empowered in small but meaningful ways by his master, begins attending group therapy for people in abusive relationships and ultimately decides to assist Rebecca, a New Orleans police officer portrayed by Awkwafina. Rebecca herself navigates a toxic environment and becomes a vital ally in the unfolding drama.
According to Cage, the film explores relevance in present-day life, touching on themes of possession and rivalry that surface in workplaces, homes, and relationships. The portrayal aims to reflect real emotional currents that resonate with audiences today.
Nicolas Cage’s favorite Dracula influence
Cage reflects on his long career, tracing inspiration to classic earlier works. He recalls the humor and energy of John Landis’ An American Werewolf in London (1981) and notes how Renfield’s script and McKay’s vision capture a spirit reminiscent of that era. The performance feels rooted in a tradition of vampire cinema that blends satire with horror in a way that feels both fresh and respectful of its milestones.
He also cites the influence of German expressionism and the iconic Nosferatu by FW Murnau, a film he first connected with as a child. Those early experiences shaped his approach to Dracula, steering him away from clichés and toward a nuanced, self-assured portrayal that avoids a familiar Transylvanian accent.
Cage acknowledges the lineage of Dracula through actors like Bela Lugosi and Gary Oldman, while making it clear that this version of the character stands apart. The voice and presence carry a seductive, predatory edge, yet the performance seeks a balance that allows the audience to see underneath the surface of power and allure.
As a performer, Cage has carried a particular blend of charisma and vulnerability. His status as an Oscar winner for Leaving Las Vegas underscores his ability to anchor intense scenes with a quiet, controlled intensity. In recent years, he has balanced high-profile projects with more modest productions, maintaining a cult appeal that endures across social media and fan communities.
Most recently, he attracted attention with The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, a quirky comedy that pairs him with Pedro Pascal in a film that plays with fame and fantasy in equal measure. Those years have reinforced Cage’s readiness to inhabit iconic characters, including Dracula, without losing his own distinctive voice as an actor.
Looking back, Cage notes that embracing Dracula was never about fear but about the craft of transformation. He trusts the director’s interpretation and his collaborators to steer the project toward a fresh tenderness within a recognizable horror framework. The choice to explore a charismatic yet dangerous vampire reflects a broader appetite for stories that examine power, obsession, and dependency with honesty and wit.