Variety checks in today with updates on Paul W.S. Anderson’s adaptation of Konami’s classic video game CASTLEVANIA, which is being produced and co-financed by Crystal Sky Entertainment.
Turns out that Dimension Films no longer has the domestic rights to the film. Instead, Rogue Pictures now has acquired both the domestic and (some) international distribution rights for the film, which is set at a $50 million budget. Why did the Dimension deal fall through? Turns out that Anderson’s script, which is reported to span many time periods but mostly takes place in 15th century Transylvania, didn’t sit well with the studio bigwigs. Whether this is a good or bad thing remains to be seen.
In describing the film, Rogue rep Andrew Rona stated that the film is in the vein of vampire actionfests like BLADE and UNDERWORLD, which is a big plus in my book. The script by Anderson also has a fresh take on the Dracula legend, tracing back to its genesis in the tales of the Romanian prince Vlad the Impaler, which is another plus. Still, after sitting through Anderson’s recent outings in ALIEN VS. PREDATOR and RESIDENT EVIL: APOCALYPSE, it’s still a touchy situation from my viewpoint.
Anderson and his producing partner Jeremy Bolt are currently scouting locations in Hungary and Romania, with a view to shooting next spring.
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