The Hollywood Reporter brings word that Syfy has ordered a Van Helsing series which will feature a female version of the famous monster hunter from the pages of “Dracula.” Filmmaker Neil LaBute (Lakeview Terrace, The Wicker Man) will serve as showrunner for the series, which will begin its 13-episode production in January for a fall 2016 debut.
The main character will be Vanessa Helsing, described as “the next in a lineage of warriors who must lead mankind against a world controlled by vampires.” In the series, Vanessa will be resurrected five years in the future where vampires have taken over but she holds a power over them, making her the last hope for humanity.
“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. “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.”
Though it shares a name, the series has no relation to the 2004 film starring Hugh Jackman or the planned reboot for Universal’s planned shared universe of Monster movies.
