:Dracula Untold

{{Short description|2014 film}}

{{Use American English|date=June 2023}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2014}}

{{Infobox film

| name = Dracula Untold

| image = Dracula Untold poster.jpg

| alt = A man walking away from a large amount of bats.

| caption = Theatrical release poster

| director = Gary Shore

| producer = Michael De Luca

| screenplay = Matt Sazama
Burk Sharpless

| based_on = {{based on|Dracula|Bram Stoker}}

| starring = {{plainlist|

}}

| music = Ramin Djawadi

| cinematography = John Schwartzman

| editing = Richard Pearson

| studio = {{plainlist|

}}

| distributor = Universal Pictures

| released = {{Film date|2014|10|10}}

| runtime = 92 minutes{{cite web | url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/dracula-untold-film | title=DRACULA UNTOLD (15) | work=British Board of Film Classification | date=September 24, 2014 | access-date=September 24, 2014 | archive-date=November 10, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171110145358/https://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/dracula-untold-film | url-status=dead}}

| country = United States

| language = English

| budget = $70–100 million{{Cite journal|last=FilmL.A.|title=2014 Feature Film Study|url=https://www.filmla.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/2014_FeatureFilm_study_v10_WEB.pdf|journal=FilmL.A. Feature Film Study|date=May 2015|access-date=June 29, 2017|archive-date=November 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171112021806/https://www.filmla.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/2014_FeatureFilm_study_v10_WEB.pdf|url-status=live}}

| gross = $217.1 million{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0829150/?ref_=bo_se_r_4|title=Dracula Untold (2014)|publisher=IMDB|website=Boxofficemojo.com|access-date=November 28, 2015|archive-date=October 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028204800/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0829150/?ref_=bo_se_r_4|url-status=live}}

}}

Dracula Untold is a 2014 American action horror film directed by Gary Shore in his feature film debut and written by Matt Sazama and Burk Sharpless. The plot creates an origin story for the title character, rather than using the storyline of Bram Stoker's 1897 novel. In this adaptation, Dracula is the historical figure Vlad III "the Impaler" Dracula and transforms into his monstrous alter ego to protect his family and kingdom from Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II. Luke Evans portrays the title character, with Sarah Gadon, Dominic Cooper, Art Parkinson, and Charles Dance cast in supporting roles. Principal photography began in Northern Ireland on August 5, 2013.

Universal Pictures released the film in regular and IMAX cinemas on October 10, 2014. Dracula Untold grossed $217 million worldwide and received mixed reviews from critics.

Plot

In the 15th century, Vlad Dracula is the Prince of Wallachia and Transylvania. As a child, he was a royal ward of the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire and was trained to be a soldier in Sultan's elite janissary corps, where he became their most feared warrior, earning the moniker "Vlad the Impaler, Son of the Dragon", but became sickened by his own actions and abandoned his past.

Now ruling his domains in peace, Vlad and his soldiers discover a helmet in a stream and fear that an Ottoman scouting party is preparing for an invasion. The stream leads to Broken Tooth Mountain. They are attacked by a humanoid creature inside a cave that kills Vlad's retinue. Vlad barely escapes and returns to his castle, where he learns from Brother Lucian, a local monk of the Romanian Orthodox Church, that the creature is a vampire; once a General from the Roman Legions named Caligula, who was tricked by a demon for power, but was trapped in the cave. Vlad celebrates an Orthodox Easter feast with his wife Mirena and son Ingeras as an Ottoman contingent arrives at the castle, but the emissary demands a tribute of boys for Sultan Mehmed II, including Vlad's son.

Desperate, Vlad returns to Broken Tooth Mountain to seek help from the Master Vampire. The creature offers him his blood, temporarily giving Vlad the vampire's powers. If he resists the intense urge to drink human blood for three days, he will turn back into a human; otherwise, he will remain a vampire forever, and the ancient vampire will be freed. Vlad accepts the offer and is given supernatural abilities and the ability to transform into a cloud of bats. When he returns to the castle, the Ottoman army attacks, but Vlad single-handedly kills them all. He then sends most of the castle's subjects to Cozia Monastery for safety.

That night, the Ottoman army marches on the monastery. Vlad commands an enormous swarm of bats to repel them; however, the soldiers are actually a decoy force, allowing a handful of Turks to infiltrate the monastery, kill many inhabitants, and kidnap Ingeras. Mirena tries to defend her son and falls from the edge of the monastery wall. Despite his superhuman speed, Vlad cannot reach her in time. Dying, Mirena pleads with Vlad to drink her blood before the sun rises and lifts his curse so that he will have the strength to save their son. Vlad reluctantly drinks her blood, triggering his final transformation into a full-blooded vampire and, in doing so, frees the Master Vampire from his cave by breaking the magical seal imprisoning him. Vlad returns to the monastery and turns the survivors into vampires before he conjures black storm clouds to block out the sun.

At the Ottoman army's camp, Mehmed prepares for a massive invasion of Christian Europe. Vlad and his vampires arrive and slaughter every soldier while Vlad himself goes after Mehmed, who is holding Ingeras captive. Aware that vampires are weakened by silver, Mehmed lines the floor of his tent with silver coins and fights him with a silver sword. He overpowers Vlad and prepares to impale his heart with a wooden stake, but Vlad evades him. He kills Mehmed with the stake and drinks his blood. However, when Vlad returns to his vampire army with Ingeras, he realizes that his subjects have lost their humanity and want to kill Ingeras and drink his blood. The monk arrives, fending off the vampires with his cross to save Ingeras. Vlad tearfully says goodbye to his son before dispelling the storm clouds so that all the vampires, including himself, will burn away and die in the light. However, a man who had previously observed Vlad's nature and offered to serve him drags his body out of the sunlight and drips his own blood onto Vlad's lips, restoring the vampire to life. Ingeras is crowned the new Prince of Wallachia.

In the present day, Vlad meets a woman named Mina in London. The Master Vampire watches them from afar while leaving.

Cast

Production

=Development=

{{Quote box

| width = 45%

| quote = Anybody who's going to the film expecting a horror film, is going to be sorely disappointed. For me, it was telling a story. I was trying to tell a good drama, that has action-adventure elements to it.

| source = —Gary Shore, director{{cite news|last1=Butler|first1=Tom|title=Dracula Untold Interview: It's Not A Horror Film|url=https://uk.yahoo.com/movies/dracula-untold-interview-its-not-a-horror-film-98734253096.html|access-date=September 30, 2014|publisher=yahoo.com|date=September 29, 2014|archive-date=October 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141001194737/https://uk.yahoo.com/movies/dracula-untold-interview-its-not-a-horror-film-98734253096.html|url-status=live}}

}}

In 2007, director Alex Proyas was hired by Universal Studios to direct the film Dracula: Year Zero.{{cite news|title=Alex Proyas To Direct Dracula Year Zero|url=http://themovieblog.com/2007/alex-proyas-to-direct-dracula-year-zero/|access-date=7 August 2013|newspaper=themovieblog.com|date=11 July 2007|archive-date=December 2, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202230416/http://themovieblog.com/2007/alex-proyas-to-direct-dracula-year-zero/|url-status=live}} The film was to be produced by Michael De Luca and filmed in Australia.{{cite news|title=Proyas to direct Universal's 'Dracula' and De Luca to produce Vlad the Impaler tale|url=https://variety.com/2007/film/news/proyas-to-direct-universal-s-dracula-2-1117968320/|access-date=7 August 2013|newspaper=variety.com|date=10 July 2007|first=Diane|last=Garrett|archive-date=June 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612141036/https://variety.com/2007/film/news/proyas-to-direct-universal-s-dracula-2-1117968320/|url-status=live}} Later, Universal ended the deals with Proyas and scheduled star Sam Worthington because of the high budget. In 2012, Irish director Gary Shore was attached to direct the film.{{cite news|title=Universal Revives 'Dracula Year Zero' With Director Gary Shore|url=https://deadline.com/2012/02/universal-revives-dracula-year-zero-229531/|access-date=7 August 2013|newspaper=Deadline Hollywood|date=10 February 2012|archive-date=June 19, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140619011737/http://www.deadline.com/2012/02/universal-revives-dracula-year-zero/|url-status=live}} Matt Sazama and Burk Sharpless wrote the script for the new film.{{cite news|title=Universal Revives 'Dracula Year Zero' Without Sam Worthington & Alex Proyas; Gary Shore To Direct|url=http://blogs.indiewire.com/theplaylist/gary-shore-the-latest-director-to-resurrect-dracula-year-zero-sam-worthington-and-alex-proyas-no-longer-involved|access-date=7 August 2013|newspaper=indiewire.com|date=11 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130502144703/http://blogs.indiewire.com/theplaylist/gary-shore-the-latest-director-to-resurrect-dracula-year-zero-sam-worthington-and-alex-proyas-no-longer-involved|archive-date=May 2, 2013|url-status=dead}} The film was scheduled for release on August 8, 2014, later changed to October 10.{{cite news|title=Universal Sets Release Date for 'Dracula'|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/universal-sets-release-date-dracula-446569|access-date=7 August 2013|newspaper=The Hollywood Reporter|date=25 April 2013|archive-date=June 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612211407/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/universal-sets-release-date-dracula-446569|url-status=live}} The filming of Dracula in Northern Ireland was confirmed by First Minister of Northern Ireland Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland Martin McGuinness.{{cite news|title=Dracula movie from Universal Pictures to be filmed in Northern Ireland|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-22601083|access-date=7 August 2013|newspaper=bbc.co.uk|date=20 May 2013|archive-date=June 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180627180136/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-22601083|url-status=live}} Legendary Pictures was co-financing the film,{{Cite news |author=Graser, Marc and Rachel Abrams |title='Dracula' Eyed as Legendary's First Film with Universal Pictures |url=https://variety.com/2013/film/news/dracula-legendary-universal-pictures-1200589201/ |work=Variety |date=29 August 2013 |access-date=6 May 2014 |archive-date=September 30, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170930064142/http://variety.com/2013/film/news/dracula-legendary-universal-pictures-1200589201/ |url-status=live}} with full involvement in May 2014.{{Cite news |first=Marc |last=Graser |url=https://variety.com/2014/film/news/legendary-backs-jurassic-world-signs-tv-deal-with-lorenzo-di-bonaventura-exclusive-1201172835/ |title=Legendary Backs 'Jurassic World', Signs TV Deal with Lorenzo Di Bonaventura |work=Variety |date=6 May 2014 |access-date=7 May 2014 |archive-date=June 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612143130/https://variety.com/2014/film/news/legendary-backs-jurassic-world-signs-tv-deal-with-lorenzo-di-bonaventura-exclusive-1201172835/ |url-status=live}}

=Casting=

In 2010, Sam Worthington was in negotiations to play Vlad the Impaler, and the film was set for release in 2011,{{cite news|title='Avatar' star Sam Worthington in talks to play Dracula in new period flick|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv-movies/avatar-star-sam-worthington-talks-play-dracula-new-period-flick-article-1.168202|access-date=7 August 2013|newspaper=nydailynews.com|date=27 January 2010|location=New York|archive-date=October 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022233554/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv-movies/avatar-star-sam-worthington-talks-play-dracula-new-period-flick-article-1.168202|url-status=live}} officially signing to star in the film that August.{{cite news|title=Sam Worthington Confirmed to Star in Alex Proyas' Dracula: Year Zero|url=https://www.slashfilm.com/sam-worthington-confirmed-to-star-in-alex-proyas%E2%80%99-dracula-year-zero-release-planned-for-christmas-2011/|access-date=7 August 2013|newspaper=slashfilm.com|date=19 August 2010|archive-date=August 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816110743/https://www.slashfilm.com/sam-worthington-confirmed-to-star-in-alex-proyas%E2%80%99-dracula-year-zero-release-planned-for-christmas-2011/|url-status=live}} In 2012, when Universal terminated the deal with director Alex Proyas, Sam Worthington backed out from the project and was replaced by Luke Evans the following year in April, playing the role of Vlad the Impaler, the man who would become the mythological bloodsucker Dracula.{{cite news|title=Luke Evans to Star in Universal's 'Dracula' Reboot|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/luke-evans-star-universals-dracula-434729|access-date=7 August 2013|newspaper=hollywoodreporter.com|date=8 April 2013|archive-date=January 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200111075914/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/luke-evans-star-universals-dracula-434729|url-status=live}} Other cast members who were cast in 2013 include Sarah Gadon{{cite news|title=Sarah Gadon Under 'Dracula' Spell for Universal|url=https://variety.com/2013/film/news/sarah-gadon-dracula-luke-evans-1200429226/|access-date=7 August 2013|newspaper=variety.com|date=2 May 2013|first=Justin|last=Kroll|archive-date=August 9, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130809040834/http://variety.com/2013/film/news/sarah-gadon-dracula-luke-evans-1200429226/|url-status=live}} and Dominic Cooper.{{cite news|title=Universal's 'Dracula' Sinks Its Fangs Into Dominic Cooper|url=https://variety.com/2013/film/news/dominic-cooper-dracula-1200476669/|access-date=7 August 2013|newspaper=variety.com|date=8 May 2013|first=Justin|last=Kroll|archive-date=April 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190407210824/https://variety.com/2013/film/news/dominic-cooper-dracula-1200476669/|url-status=live}} Zach McGowan was also cast, in the role of Shkelgim, a Romani chief.{{cite news|title=Zach McGowan Joins Universal's 'Dracula'|url=https://www.deadline.com/2013/07/zach-mcgowan-joins-universals-dracula/|access-date=7 August 2013|newspaper=Deadline Hollywood|date=11 July 2013|archive-date=June 19, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140619011449/http://www.deadline.com/2013/07/zach-mcgowan-joins-universals-dracula/|url-status=dead}} Samantha Barks joined the cast to play a character from Slavic folk tales known as Baba Yaga, a beautiful young woman who transforms into a savage witch, but her scenes were later cut from the film.{{cite news|title='Les Miserables' star Samantha Barks joins Luke Evans in 'Dracula'|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/movies/news/a502109/les-miserables-star-samantha-barks-joins-luke-evans-in-dracula.html|access-date=7 August 2013|newspaper=digitalspy.co.uk|date=29 July 2013|archive-date=July 31, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130731145324/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/movies/news/a502109/les-miserables-star-samantha-barks-joins-luke-evans-in-dracula.html|url-status=live}} Along with Barks more cast was added, including Charlie Cox (who was cast as Caligula, but his scenes were later cut), Charles Dance, Ferdinand Kingsley, William Houston, and Thor Kristjansson, the latter of whom would play the role of Bright Eyes, an Eastern European taken as a slave as a young boy and now an assassin in the Ottoman Army.{{cite news|title='Les Miserables', 'Game of Thrones' Actors Join Universal's 'Dracula'|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/les-miserables-game-thrones-actors-594166|access-date=7 August 2013|newspaper=hollywoodreporter.com|date=26 July 2013|archive-date=October 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191019232929/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/les-miserables-game-thrones-actors-594166|url-status=live}} Art Parkinson then joined on to play the role of Ingeras, son of Dracula.

=Filming=

The shooting of Dracula Untold took place in Northern Ireland from August to November 2013,{{cite news|title=Universal Pictures' Dracula to film in Northern Ireland|url=http://northernirelandscreen.co.uk/news/3306/universal-pictures-dracula-to-film-in-northern-ireland.aspx|access-date=7 August 2013|newspaper=northernirelandscreen.co.uk|date=20 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130715203128/http://northernirelandscreen.co.uk/news/3306/universal-pictures-dracula-to-film-in-northern-ireland.aspx|archive-date=July 15, 2013|url-status=dead}} officially beginning on August 5, starting in Roe Valley Country Park in Northern Ireland.{{cite news|title=Dracula filming at Limavady park|url=http://www.u.tv/entertainment/Dracula-filming-at-Limavady-park/e9c99bb4-ca17-4eb3-b60d-5a135d5a5c30|access-date=7 August 2013|newspaper=u.tv|date=5 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130807231504/http://www.u.tv/Entertainment/Dracula-filming-at-Limavady-park/e9c99bb4-ca17-4eb3-b60d-5a135d5a5c30|archive-date=August 7, 2013|url-status=dead}} The production company received permission for two days of shooting, on August 5–6, to film in the park.{{cite news|title=Roe Valley Country Park hosts Dracula film|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-23567425|access-date=7 August 2013|newspaper=bbc.co.uk|date=5 August 2013|archive-date=January 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180101023525/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-23567425|url-status=live}} Other location shooting took place throughout Northern Ireland.{{cite news|title=Roe Valley to feature in new Universal Pictures 'Dracula Year Zero' film|url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/debateni/press-feed/roe-valley-to-feature-in-new-universal-pictures-dracula-year-zero-film-29471902.html|access-date=7 August 2013|newspaper=belfasttelegraph.co.uk|date=5 August 2013|archive-date=December 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203005411/http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/debateni/press-feed/roe-valley-to-feature-in-new-universal-pictures-dracula-year-zero-film-29471902.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Hollywood rolls into Limavady for filming of movie 'Dracula'|url=http://www.derryjournal.com/what-s-on/arts-culture/hollywood-rolls-into-limavady-for-filming-of-movie-dracula-1-5358400|access-date=7 August 2013|newspaper=derryjournal.com|date=6 August 2013|archive-date=August 12, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130812075557/http://www.derryjournal.com/what-s-on/arts-culture/hollywood-rolls-into-limavady-for-filming-of-movie-dracula-1-5358400|url-status=live}}

Luke Evans revealed in 2014 that he received training every day after work, rehearsed with the stuntmen, and ate only chicken, beef, fish and green vegetables to get ready for the shoot of the film.{{cite news|title=Luke Evans put on muscle and fangs for Dracula role|url=http://www.euronews.com/2014/09/30/luke-evans-put-on-muscle-and-fangs-for-dracula-role/|access-date=September 30, 2014|publisher=euronews.com|date=September 30, 2014|archive-date=October 4, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141004104433/http://www.euronews.com/2014/09/30/luke-evans-put-on-muscle-and-fangs-for-dracula-role/|url-status=live}}

=Music=

File:Ramin Djawadi.jpg is the composer of the Dracula Untold score.]]

Ramin Djawadi's score for the film was released by Backlot Music on October 7 on CD.{{cite news|title='Dracula Untold' Soundtrack Details|url=http://filmmusicreporter.com/2014/10/02/dracula-untold-soundtrack-details/|access-date=October 31, 2014|publisher=filmmusicreporter.com|date=October 2, 2014|archive-date=November 5, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141105204935/http://filmmusicreporter.com/2014/10/02/dracula-untold-soundtrack-details/|url-status=live}} Djawadi was originally chosen to work on the film's musical score after his work on Iron Man, Clash of the Titans, and Game of Thrones, and after signing on to score the film, he gave up his job of scoring the film Edge of Tomorrow, which was given to Christophe Beck.{{cite news|title=Ramin Djawadi to Score 'Dracula Untold'|url=http://filmmusicreporter.com/2014/02/10/ramin-djawadi-to-score-dracula-untold/|access-date=October 31, 2014|publisher=filmmusicreporter.com|date=February 10, 2014|archive-date=November 13, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141113094743/http://filmmusicreporter.com/2014/02/10/ramin-djawadi-to-score-dracula-untold/|url-status=live}} The official trailer features Lorde's cover of "Everybody Wants to Rule the World", which was produced by Michael A. Levine and Lucas Cantor.{{cite news |url= http://www.hitfix.com/news/dracula-untolds-new-trailer-needs-a-lorde-cover-to-rule-the-world |title= 'Dracula Untold's new trailer needs a Lorde cover to rule the world |work= HitFix |first= Gregory |last= Ellwood |date= 27 June 2014 |access-date= 28 June 2014 |archive-date= July 1, 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140701001629/http://www.hitfix.com/news/dracula-untolds-new-trailer-needs-a-lorde-cover-to-rule-the-world |url-status= live}} The Japanese release of the trailer uses the song "Vampire's Love" by Vamps.{{Cite web |title=VAMPS×映画『ドラキュラZERO』 予告映像で日本版イメージソング解禁|url=https://www.billboard-japan.com/d_news/detail/22046 |website=Billboard Japan|language=ja|date=August 25, 2014|access-date=May 6, 2024}}

Release

Dracula Untold was originally scheduled for release on August 8, 2014.{{cite web|url=https://www.deadline.com/2013/04/dracula-movie-release-date-august-8-2014-luke-evans|title=Universal Dates 'Dracula' Origin Pic For August 8, 2014|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=April 25, 2013|access-date=September 3, 2013|archive-date=October 19, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019211618/http://www.deadline.com/2013/04/dracula-movie-release-date-august-8-2014-luke-evans/|url-status=dead}} The film was later delayed and released on October 10.{{cite news|url=https://variety.com/2013/film/news/universal-dracula-october-1200593357/|title=Universal Shifts 'Dracula' to October 2014 Release|work=Variety|date=August 30, 2013|access-date=August 30, 2013|first=Justin|last=Kroll|archive-date=September 1, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130901225955/http://variety.com/2013/film/news/universal-dracula-october-1200593357/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/schedule/?view=changes&p=.htm|title=Theatrical Movie Schedule Additions and Changes|work=Box Office Mojo|date=November 13, 2013|access-date=November 13, 2013|archive-date=March 14, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110314030500/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/schedule/?view=changes&p=.htm|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title='Dracula Untold' Gets An Extra Week Of Bite Time In Theaters|url=https://deadline.com/2014/09/dracula-untold-release-date-october-10-2014-828739/|access-date=September 4, 2014|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=September 3, 2014|archive-date=September 4, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140904202308/http://deadline.com/2014/09/dracula-untold-release-date-october-10-2014-828739/|url-status=live}} The film was released in all formats including IMAX, and in over 25 foreign markets, on its opening weekend.{{cite magazine | url = https://deadline.com/2014/09/international-box-office-equalizer-maze-runner-lucy-boxtrolls-842566/ | title = Int'l Box Office Update: 'The Equalizer' Clocks $17.8M In Debut; 'Maze Runner' Races To $91M Cume; More | author = Nancy Tartagloine | magazine = Deadline Hollywood | date = September 28, 2014 | access-date = September 29, 2014 | archive-date = September 29, 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140929130136/http://deadline.com/2014/09/international-box-office-equalizer-maze-runner-lucy-boxtrolls-842566/ | url-status = live}}

=Home media=

Dracula Untold was released on DVD and Blu-ray on February 3, 2015.{{cite web | url=http://www.dvdsreleasedates.com/movies/6468/Dracula-Untold-2014.html | title=Dracula Untold dvd | access-date=January 13, 2015 | archive-date=February 6, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150206055728/http://www.dvdsreleasedates.com/movies/6468/Dracula-Untold-2014.html | url-status=live}} The Blu-ray release comes with an alternate opening, deleted scenes, The Land of Dracula (Interactive Map), and Luke Evans: Creating a Legend.{{cite web | url=https://dailydead.com/dracula-untold-blu-ray-dvd-release-details-cover-art/ | title=Dracula Untold Blu-ray / DVD Release Details & Cover Art | work=dailydead.com | date=December 5, 2014 | access-date=January 13, 2015 | archive-date=February 18, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150218183148/http://dailydead.com/dracula-untold-blu-ray-dvd-release-details-cover-art/ | url-status=live}}

Reception

=Box office=

Dracula Untold grossed $56.3 million in North America and $159.2 million in other territories for a worldwide total of $215.5 million against a budget of $70 million.

==North America==

Dracula Untold was released in North America on October 10, 2014, across 2,885 cinemas.{{cite magazine | url = https://deadline.com/2014/10/gone-girl-dracula-judge-alexander-box-office-848782/ | title = 'Gone Girl' Could Face Another Box Office Barn Burner With 'Dracula', 'Alexander', 'Judge' – B.O. Preview | author = Scott Bowles | magazine = Deadline Hollywood | date = October 9, 2014 | access-date = October 10, 2014 | archive-date = October 10, 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141010034906/http://deadline.com/2014/10/gone-girl-dracula-judge-alexander-box-office-848782/ | url-status = live}} It earned $1.3 million from Thursday late night showings from 2,133 theaters{{cite magazine | url = https://variety.com/2014/film/news/box-office-dracula-untold-latenight-shows-1201326339/ | title = Box Office: 'Dracula Untold' Comes Alive with $1.3 Million at Latenight Shows | author = Dave McNarry | magazine = Variety | date = October 10, 2014 | access-date = October 10, 2014 | archive-date = October 13, 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141013021445/http://variety.com/2014/film/news/box-office-dracula-untold-latenight-shows-1201326339/ | url-status = live}} and $8.9 million in its opening day.{{cite news | url = https://variety.com/2014/film/news/gone-girl-box-office-win-dracula-untold-tops-friday-1201327471/ | title = Gone Girl' Draws Blood With $26 Million, 'Dracula Untold' Tops Friday Box Office | author = Maane Khatchatourian | date = October 11, 2014 | access-date = October 11, 2014 | work = Variety | archive-date = October 12, 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141012223745/http://variety.com/2014/film/news/gone-girl-box-office-win-dracula-untold-tops-friday-1201327471/ | url-status = live}} The film debuted at #2 at the box office in its opening-weekend grossing $24.5 million behind Gone Girl.{{cite magazine | url = https://variety.com/2014/film/news/box-office-gone-girl-edges-out-dracula-untold-the-judge-with-26-8-million-1201327943/ | title = Box Office: 'Gone Girl' Edges Out 'Dracula Untold', 'The Judge' With $26.8 Million | author = Brent Lang | magazine = Variety | date = October 12, 2014 | access-date = October 12, 2014 | archive-date = October 12, 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141012210018/http://variety.com/2014/film/news/box-office-gone-girl-edges-out-dracula-untold-the-judge-with-26-8-million-1201327943/ | url-status = live}} $4 million of the opening gross came from IMAX showings from 351 of its 2,887 locations which is the second-best October total behind only Gravity. Nine of the top 10 locations as well as 18 of the top 20 were in IMAX.{{cite web | url = https://www.thewrap.com/gone-girl-fights-off-dracula-untold-for-26-million-2nd-week-triumph-at-box-office/ | title = 'Gone Girl' Fights Off 'Dracula Untold' for $26 Million 2nd-Week Triumph at Box Office | author = Todd Cunningham | publisher = The Wrap | date = October 12, 2014 | access-date = October 12, 2014 | archive-date = October 13, 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141013040802/http://www.thewrap.com/gone-girl-fights-off-dracula-untold-for-26-million-2nd-week-triumph-at-box-office/ | url-status = live}} The film played 57% male and 61% over-25-year-olds.{{cite magazine | url = https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2014/10/12/weekend-box-office-gone-girl-nabs-26-8m-dracula-untold-bites-23-5m/ | title = Weekend Box Office: 'Gone Girl' Nabs $26.8M, 'Dracula Untold' Bites $23.5M | author = Scott Mendelson | magazine = Forbes | date = October 12, 2014 | access-date = October 12, 2014 | archive-date = October 12, 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141012184801/http://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2014/10/12/weekend-box-office-gone-girl-nabs-26-8m-dracula-untold-bites-23-5m/ | url-status = live}} In its second weekend the film fell 58% and earned $9.9 million.{{cite magazine | url = https://deadline.com/2014/10/fury-book-of-life-best-of-me-box-office-weekend-854337/ | title = Box Office Weekend: 'Fury' Wins War With $23M+; 'Book Of Life', $16.6M to $17M; 'Gone Girl' $100M; 'Best Of Me' $10M+ | author = Anita Busch | magazine = Deadline Hollywood | date = October 19, 2014 | access-date = October 20, 2014 | archive-date = October 19, 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141019141638/http://deadline.com/2014/10/fury-book-of-life-best-of-me-box-office-weekend-854337/ | url-status = live}}

==Other territories==

A few days ahead of its U.S. debut, Dracula Untold was released in 25 foreign markets and earned $21 million. It had a strong $5 million four-day opening in Mexico. The highest debuts came from Australia ($9 million), Germany ($4 million), Malaysia ($3 million), and France ($1 million).{{cite web | url = https://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=3919&p=.htm | title = Around-the-World Roundup: Strong Overseas Debuts for 'Gone Girl', 'Annabelle' | author = Ray Subers | website = Box Office Mojo | date = October 5, 2014 | access-date = October 6, 2014 | archive-date = October 6, 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141006130634/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=3919&p=.htm | url-status = live}}{{cite magazine | url = https://deadline.com/2014/10/international-box-office-gone-girl-bang-dracula-untold-annabelle-846119/ | title = Int'l Box Office Update: 'Breakup Buddies' In Huge China Debut; 'Gone Girl' A Beaut With $24.6M; 'Bang Bang' Holsters $25.4M; More | author = Nancy Tartagloine | magazine = Deadline Hollywood | date = October 5, 2014 | access-date = October 6, 2014 | archive-date = October 6, 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141006071041/http://deadline.com/2014/10/international-box-office-gone-girl-bang-dracula-untold-annabelle-846119/ | url-status = live}} The following weekend the film was released to over 42 foreign territories and earned $33.9 million.{{cite magazine | url = https://variety.com/2014/film/news/dracula-untold-foreign-box-office-1201328118/ | title = 'Dracula Untold' Tops Foreign Box Office, 'Guardians of the Galaxy' Opens in China | author = Brent Lang | magazine = Variety | date = October 12, 2014 | access-date = October 17, 2014 | archive-date = October 16, 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141016024534/http://variety.com/2014/film/news/dracula-untold-foreign-box-office-1201328118/ | url-status = live}} The film went number one in nine of the 17 new-released territories.{{cite magazine | url = https://deadline.com/2014/10/international-box-office-china-guardians-galaxy-annabelle-gone-girl-849934/ | title = Int'l Box Office Update: 'Gone Girl', 'Annabelle' Tussle In $27M Tie; 'Dracula' Drinks Up $34M; 'Guardians' Strong In China; More | author = Nancy Tartagloine | magazine = Deadline Hollywood | date = October 12, 2014 | access-date = October 13, 2014 | archive-date = October 13, 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141013192511/http://deadline.com/2014/10/international-box-office-china-guardians-galaxy-annabelle-gone-girl-849934/ | url-status = live}} It earned $2.5 million from 155 IMAX screens for an overall total of $4.5 million and an international total of $8.5 million.{{cite news | url = http://m.screendaily.com/5078554.article | title = Dracula Untold grossed $33.9m from 42 territories as the early tally climbed to $62.6m. Separately Fox International executives said the company's box office has amassed more than $3bn for the year-to-date. | author = Jeremy Kay | work = Screen Daily | date = October 12, 2014 | access-date = October 13, 2014 | archive-date = October 17, 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141017181540/http://m.screendaily.com/5078554.article | url-status = live}} It went #1 in Bolivia, Colombia, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Philippines, Slovakia, Thailand, Trinidad, and Vietnam.{{cite web | url = https://deadline.com/2014/10/international-box-office-guardians-china-winter-soldier-records-dracula-untold-gone-girl-annabelle-maze-runner-ninja-turtles-854649/ | title = Int'l Box Office Update: 'Guardians' Now 3rd Biggest Marvel Movie Ever; 'Dracula Untold', 'Gone Girl', 'Annabelle' Hold Well; Local Action In France, Mexico; More | author = Nancy Tartagloine | date = October 19, 2014 | access-date = October 21, 2014 | archive-date = October 22, 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141022132359/http://deadline.com/2014/10/international-box-office-guardians-china-winter-soldier-records-dracula-untold-gone-girl-annabelle-maze-runner-ninja-turtles-854649/ | url-status = live}} The film was released to four new markets in its third weekend and earned $14.7 million from 59 territories where Brazil generated $2.7 million and Spain collected $1.8 million.{{cite magazine | url = https://deadline.com/2014/10/international-box-office-fury-annabelle-hercules-happy-new-year-china-guardians-861602/ | title = Int'l Box Office: 'Annabelle' Still A Doll With $26.5M Frame; 'Fury' Wages $11.2M; 'Lucy' Outmuscles 'Hercules' In China; 'Guardians' Warps To #3 On 2014 Global Hit List; More | author = Nancy Tartaglione | magazine = Deadline Hollywood | date = October 26, 2014 | access-date = October 27, 2014 | archive-date = October 29, 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141029033547/http://deadline.com/2014/10/international-box-office-fury-annabelle-hercules-happy-new-year-china-guardians-861602/ | url-status = live}} The film opened in Italy at #1 earning $3 million accounting 25% of the market shares. In Japan it earned $1.4 million.{{cite magazine | url = https://deadline.com/2014/11/international-box-office-guardians-of-the-galaxy-number-2-movie-2014-turtles-china-maze-runner-kung-fu-jungle-happy-new-year-1201271064/ | title = 'Turtles', 'Maze Runner' Top Int'l Box Office; 'Guardians' Is 2014's #2 Pic: Update | author = Nancy Tartaglione | magazine = Deadline Hollywood | date = November 2, 2014 | access-date = November 3, 2014 | archive-date = June 12, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180612162249/https://deadline.com/2014/11/international-box-office-guardians-of-the-galaxy-number-2-movie-2014-turtles-china-maze-runner-kung-fu-jungle-happy-new-year-1201271064/ | url-status = live}}

=Critical reception=

On Rotten Tomatoes the film has an approval rating of 25% based on 138 reviews with an average rating of 4.5/10. The site's critical consensus reads: "Neither awful enough to suck nor sharp enough to bite, Dracula Untold misses the point of its iconic character's deathless appeal".{{cite web | url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/dracula_untold/ | title=Dracula Untold | work=Rotten Tomatoes | publisher=Flixster | access-date=July 4, 2019 | archive-date=July 14, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190714032138/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/dracula_untold/ | url-status=live}} On Metacritic, the film has a score of 40 out of 100 based on reviews from 30 critics, indicating "mixed or average" reviews.{{cite web | url=https://www.metacritic.com/movie/dracula-untold | title=Dracula Untold Reviews | work=Metacritic | publisher=CBS Interactive | access-date=October 10, 2014 | archive-date=October 8, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141008225240/http://www.metacritic.com/movie/dracula-untold | url-status=live}} Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "A−" on an A+ to F scale.{{cite web | url=http://www.cinemascore.com/ | title=Cinemascore | publisher=Cinemascore | access-date=23 November 2014 | archive-date=January 19, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150119025202/http://www.cinemascore.com/ | url-status=live}}

Frank Scheck of The Hollywood Reporter gave a negative review and compared it with I, Frankenstein.{{cite news|last1=Scheck|first1=Frank|title='Dracula Untold': Film Review|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/dracula-untold-film-review-736986|access-date=October 14, 2014|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=September 30, 2014|archive-date=October 4, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141004022458/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/dracula-untold-film-review-736986|url-status=live}} The Village Voice{{'}}s Alan Scherstuhl criticized the film, saying that the greatest villain in cinema "was bitten on the neck and drained of his hottest blood".{{cite news|last1=Scherstuhl|first1=Alan|title=Dracula Untold: What's the Fun of a Dracula Who Hates Neck-Biting?|url=http://www.villagevoice.com/2014-10-08/film/dracula-untold/|access-date=October 14, 2014|publisher=villagevoice.com|date=October 8, 2014|archive-date=October 10, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141010065500/http://www.villagevoice.com/2014-10-08/film/dracula-untold/|url-status=live}} Simon Adams for Roger Ebert's website gave Dracula Untold a score of 2.5/4 along with an average review, commenting: "If you can selectively ignore this litany of inanity, you may find some substantial earthy pleasures in Dracula Untold".{{Cite web|title = Dracula Untold Movie Review & Film Summary (2014) {{!}} Roger Ebert|url = https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/dracula-untold-2014|website = www.rogerebert.com|access-date = 2015-07-19|first = Simon|last = Abrams|archive-date = April 11, 2020|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200411205043/https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/dracula-untold-2014|url-status = live}} Kyle Anderson of Entertainment Weekly gave the film a C grade and wrote the film works neither as a sweeping historical epic nor as an action-horror hybrid.{{cite news|last1=Anderson|first1=Kyle|title=Dracula Untold Review|url=http://www.ew.com/article/2014/10/10/dracula-untold|access-date=October 14, 2014|publisher=Entertainment Weekly|date=October 8, 2014|archive-date=October 19, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141019120501/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20859840,00.html|url-status=live}} Stephen Whitty wrote a negative review for The Star-Ledger: "If this Dracula can kill hundreds of enemies by himself—and he can, and does, in several dull and protracted battle scenes—then where's the suspense? If he's become a monster for noble reasons, then where's the dark conflict?"{{cite news|last1=Whitty|first1=Stephen|title='Dracula Untold' review: Fangs for nothing|url=http://www.nj.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2014/10/dracula_untold_review_fangs_for_nothing.html|access-date=October 14, 2014|publisher=nj.com|date=October 8, 2014|archive-date=October 10, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141010211634/http://www.nj.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2014/10/dracula_untold_review_fangs_for_nothing.html|url-status=live}} The Seattle Times{{'}} Moira MacDonald said that the film falls into a category of studio offerings that aren't good enough to be noteworthy or terrible enough to be truly entertaining.{{cite news|last1=Macdonald|first1=Moira|title='Dracula Untold' has very little to say|url=http://seattletimes.com/html/movies/2024733196_draculauntoldxml.html?syndication=rss|access-date=October 14, 2014|publisher=seattletimes.com|date=October 9, 2014|archive-date=October 28, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141028042109/http://seattletimes.com/html/movies/2024733196_draculauntoldxml.html?syndication=rss|url-status=live}}

A. A. Dowd of The A.V. Club{{cite news|last1=Dowd|first1=A.A.|title=This Dracula should have remained Untold|url=https://www.avclub.com/review/dracula-should-have-remained-untold-210237|access-date=October 14, 2014|publisher=avclub.com|date=October 9, 2014|archive-date=October 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141014023821/http://www.avclub.com/review/dracula-should-have-remained-untold-210237|url-status=live}} and New York magazine's Bilge Ebiri gave a mildly positive review, commenting that the film is neither the worst nor the definitive adaptation of Dracula that they expected.{{cite news|last1=Ebiri|first1=Bilge|title=Dracula Untold Is Maleficent for Dudes|url=https://www.vulture.com/2014/10/dracula-untold-movie-review.html?mid=twitter_vulture|access-date=October 14, 2014|publisher=vulture.com|date=October 9, 2014|archive-date=October 19, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141019112228/http://www.vulture.com/2014/10/dracula-untold-movie-review.html?mid=twitter_vulture|url-status=live}} Film critic Mick LaSalle gave the film two stars out of four and wrote for San Francisco Chronicle that Dracula Untold brings together elements from other more popular films.{{cite news|last1=LaSalle|first1=Mick|title='Dracula Untold' review: The sadness of Vlad's dilemma|url=http://www.sfgate.com/movies/article/Dracula-Untold-review-The-sadness-of-5810726.php|access-date=October 14, 2014|newspaper=sfgate.com|date=October 9, 2014|archive-date=October 13, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141013173031/http://www.sfgate.com/movies/article/Dracula-Untold-review-The-sadness-of-5810726.php|url-status=live}} Daniel Krupa from IGN said that Dracula Untold recasts the famous vampire as a dark superhero and called the film a "fast-paced", "shallow" fun.{{Cite web |title = Dracula Untold Review - IGN |date=September 30, 2014 |url = https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/09/30/dracula-untold-review|access-date = 2015-06-22|archive-date = January 24, 2017|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170124073703/http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/09/30/dracula-untold-review|url-status = live}} Tim Robey of The Telegraph was positive to the film, commending acting of Luke Evans as Dracula, and considered to be superior to Snow White and the Huntsman from 2012.{{cite news|last1=Robey|first1=Tim|title=Dracula Untold, review: 'lively'|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/filmreviews/11136145/Dracula-Untold-review-lively.html|access-date=July 19, 2015|newspaper=telegraph.co.uk|date=October 2, 2014|location=London|archive-date=August 23, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150823005326/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/filmreviews/11136145/Dracula-Untold-review-lively.html|url-status=live}} Michael O'Sullivan of The Washington Post reviewed and responded negatively to the film; although positive to visual effects, he considered that the film too much borrowed the elements from superhero films and comic books.{{cite news|last1=O'Sullivan|first1=Michael|title='Dracula Untold' movie review|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/goingoutguide/movies/dracula-untold-movie-review/2014/10/09/1310972e-4ef6-11e4-8c24-487e92bc997b_story.html|access-date=October 14, 2014|newspaper=washingtonpost.com|date=October 9, 2014|archive-date=October 13, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141013113952/http://www.washingtonpost.com/goingoutguide/movies/dracula-untold-movie-review/2014/10/09/1310972e-4ef6-11e4-8c24-487e92bc997b_story.html|url-status=live}} Jordan Hoffman of New York Daily News praised the costume design and film interiors.{{cite news|last1=Hoffman|first1=Jordan|title='Dracula Untold': Movie review|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/movies/dracula-untold-movie-review-article-1.1968816|access-date=October 14, 2014|newspaper=nydailynews.com|date=October 9, 2014|location=New York|archive-date=October 13, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141013042952/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/movies/dracula-untold-movie-review-article-1.1968816|url-status=live}} Kevin C. Johnson for St. Louis Post-Dispatch said that Dracula Untold feels longer than its 95-minute running time.{{cite news|last1=C. Johnson|first1=Kevin|title=Latest installment of 'Dracula' is best left untold|url=https://www.stltoday.com/entertainment/movies/reviews/latest-installment-of-dracula-is-best-left-untold/article_435c33a2-b440-5ab2-a6fc-fb528874242b.html|access-date=October 14, 2014|publisher=stltoday.com|date=October 9, 2014|archive-date=July 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160707161713/http://www.stltoday.com/entertainment/movies/reviews/latest-installment-of-dracula-is-best-left-untold/article_435c33a2-b440-5ab2-a6fc-fb528874242b.html|url-status=live}}

Brian Truitt of USA Today reacted negatively to Dracula Untold and said the film flirts with dullness.{{cite news|last1=Truitt|first1=Brian|title='Dracula Untold' drags, but has some cool bat-effects|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2014/10/09/dracula-untold-review/16452913/|access-date=October 14, 2014|publisher=usatoday.com|date=October 9, 2014|archive-date=October 13, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141013145638/http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2014/10/09/dracula-untold-review/16452913/|url-status=live}} Toronto Star{{'}}s Peter Howell asked: "Whatever possessed the makers of Dracula Untold to think we'd be interested in a tragically unhip romance that backstories the infamous bloodsucker?"{{cite news|last1=Howell|first1=Peter|title=Dracula Untold could drive you batty: review|url=https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/movies/2014/10/09/dracula_untold_could_drive_you_batty_review.html|access-date=October 14, 2014|work=thestar.com|date=October 9, 2014|location=Toronto|archive-date=October 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141014112104/http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/movies/2014/10/09/dracula_untold_could_drive_you_batty_review.html|url-status=live}} The Boston Globe{{'}}s Peter Keough criticized the film in several aspects.{{cite news|last1=Keough|first1=Peter|title='Dracula Untold' offers a new take on Vlad's back story|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/movies/2014/10/09/movie-review-dracula-untold-offers-new-take-vlad-backstory/rPZSFfhJND2A8WKt1aa2ZM/story.html|access-date=October 14, 2014|publisher=bostonglobe.com|date=October 9, 2014|archive-date=October 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141014094439/http://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/movies/2014/10/09/movie-review-dracula-untold-offers-new-take-vlad-backstory/rPZSFfhJND2A8WKt1aa2ZM/story.html|url-status=live}} Film critic Ben Kenigsberg reviewed the film for The New York Times and commented that the classic tale of Dracula is drowned in computer-generated murk.{{cite news|last1=Kenigsberg|first1=Ben|title=Whatever You Do, Don't Drink Blood|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/10/movies/dracula-untold-in-which-prince-vlad-battles-the-turks.html?partner=rss&emc=rss|access-date=October 14, 2014|newspaper=nytimes.com|date=October 9, 2014|archive-date=October 22, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141022230737/http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/10/movies/dracula-untold-in-which-prince-vlad-battles-the-turks.html?partner=rss&emc=rss|url-status=live}} James Berardinelli reviewed for website ReelViews and said that Dracula Untold is a generic vampire tale in the vein of Underworld franchise, combined with Van Helsing (2004) than a memorable re-interpretation of a legendary monster.{{cite news|last1=Berardinelli|first1=James|title=Dracula Untold|url=http://www.reelviews.net/php_review_template.php?identifier=2816|access-date=October 14, 2014|publisher=reelviews.net|date=October 9, 2014|archive-date=October 19, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141019173359/http://www.reelviews.net/php_review_template.php?identifier=2816|url-status=live}} The Philadelphia Inquirer{{'}}s David Hiltbrand said the film attempts to humanize one of the most fearful monsters in the Western crypt, but thought that it goes way overboard, past domestication and into canonization.{{cite news|last1=Hiltbrand|first1=David|title=Bloodless tale of Dracula too ... bloodless|url=http://www.philly.com/philly/entertainment/movies/20141010_Bloodless_tale_of_Dracula_too_bloodless.html|access-date=October 14, 2014|publisher=philly.com|date=October 10, 2014|archive-date=October 12, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141012193738/http://www.philly.com/philly/entertainment/movies/20141010_Bloodless_tale_of_Dracula_too_bloodless.html|url-status=live}} Wesley Morris for the website Grantland was generally negative to the film.{{cite news|last1=Morris|first1=Wesley|title=Mistrial and Error: RDJ's Messy 'The Judge' and the Highs and Lows of What's New This Week|url=http://grantland.com/hollywood-prospectus/the-judge-robert-downey-jr-dracula-movie-review/|access-date=October 14, 2014|publisher=grantland.com|date=October 10, 2014|archive-date=October 15, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141015055346/http://grantland.com/hollywood-prospectus/the-judge-robert-downey-jr-dracula-movie-review/|url-status=live}}

Richard Corliss from Time compared Dracula's origin story to Jesus Christ's story due to Dracula spending his childhood in a foreign land, and due to Dracula choosing to die (or become undead) in order to save his people. Corliss also complimented the film's use of its PG-13 rating by describing it as "robust". In his review, he wrote that the reviewers slammed the film, but Corliss was more positive. He later said that Evans carries Untold by admirably fulfilling the two essential functions of a period-movie hero: to enunciate comic-book dialogue with Shakespearean authority and his "great" look with his shirt off.{{Cite magazine|title=The Vampire as Messiah in Dracula Untold|url=https://time.com/3494453/dracula-untold-review/|access-date=2015-06-14|magazine=Time|first=Richard|last=Corliss|date=October 12, 2014|archive-date=May 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150525232349/http://time.com/3494453/dracula-untold-review/|url-status=live}} Graham Killeen of Milwaukee Journal Sentinel gave a positive review and wrote that Dracula Untold tries to be The Lord of the Rings of horror movies.{{Cite web|title = 'Dracula Untold' gives the vampire legend new teeth|url = http://www.jsonline.com/entertainment/movies/dracula-untold-gives-the-vampire-legend-new-teeth-b99364907z1-278676301.html|access-date = 2015-06-14|first = Graham|last = Killeen|archive-date = July 16, 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150716044858/http://www.jsonline.com/entertainment/movies/dracula-untold-gives-the-vampire-legend-new-teeth-b99364907z1-278676301.html|url-status = live}} Kofi Outlaw of Screen Rant gave a fairly moderate review to the film, stating that Dracula Untold is not a masterful or deep re-introduction to the franchise, but as basic genre fare, called it a "relatively" fun in its depiction of the monster in a different light.{{Cite web|title = 'Dracula Untold' Review| website=Screen Rant|date=October 10, 2014|url = https://screenrant.com/dracula-untold-reviews/|access-date = 2015-07-15|archive-date = February 14, 2020|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200214134828/https://screenrant.com/dracula-untold-reviews/|url-status = live}} Los Angeles Times critic Gary Goldstein wrote a positive review, saying Dracula Untold is an "absorbing", "swiftly comprehensive" origin tale.{{Cite news|title = 'Dracula Untold' proves vampire allure is hard to resist|url = https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-dracula-untold-review-20141010-story.html|newspaper = Los Angeles Times|access-date = 2015-07-15|issn = 0458-3035|language = en|first = Gary|last = Goldstein|date = October 9, 2014|archive-date = April 14, 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190414125632/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-dracula-untold-review-20141010-story.html|url-status = live}}

Years after its release, Dracula Untold (2014) would get positive attention from the public. In 2022, Michael John Petty from Collider wrote an article in defense of the film as a refreshing take on Dracula to humanize the character: "The way that Vlad fights for his wife, his son, and his country is a completely unique take on the character that encourages us, as with Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, to take a deeper, more intentional look at the monster".{{cite web |last1=Petty |first1=Michael John |title=Why 'Dracula Untold' Is Worth Revisiting as an Intriguing Monster Origin |url=https://collider.com/dracula-untold-why-its-good/ |website=Collider.com |date=April 27, 2022 |access-date=7 April 2023}}

=Accolades=

At the 41st Saturn Awards, Dracula Untold won Best Horror Film and was nominated for Best Costume and Best Make-up.{{Cite magazine |last=Blake |first=Emily |date=March 4, 2015 |title=2015 Saturn Awards: Captain America: Winter Soldier, Walking Dead lead nominees |url=https://ew.com/article/2015/03/04/saturn-awards-captain-america-walking-dead/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191111174504/https://ew.com/article/2015/03/04/saturn-awards-captain-america-walking-dead/ |archive-date=November 11, 2019 |access-date=June 26, 2023 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly}} It was nominated for Favorite Thriller Movie at the 41st People's Choice Awards.{{Cite web |date=January 7, 2015 |title=People's Choice Awards 2015: Full Winners List |url=https://variety.com/2015/film/news/peoples-choice-awards-winners-list-2015-1201395501/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220430210333/https://variety.com/2015/film/news/peoples-choice-awards-winners-list-2015-1201395501/ |archive-date=April 30, 2022 |access-date=June 26, 2023 |website=Variety}} The film received nominations for Best Music and Best Horror Poster at the 2015 Golden Trailer Awards.{{Cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=April 10, 2015 |title=Golden Trailer Nominations: Jurassic World, Furious 7 Propel Universal To Leading 44 |url=https://deadline.com/2015/04/golden-trailer-nominations-2015-jurassic-world-furious-7-full-list-1201407876/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220318141605/https://deadline.com/2015/04/golden-trailer-nominations-2015-jurassic-world-furious-7-full-list-1201407876/ |archive-date=March 18, 2022 |access-date=June 26, 2023 |website=Deadline Hollywood}}{{Cite web |last=Pedersen |first=Erik |date=May 6, 2015 |title=Golden Trailer Awards: Furious 7 Peels Out With Best In Show |url=https://deadline.com/2015/05/golden-trailer-awards-winners-2015-furious-7-1201421951/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150508033217/https://deadline.com/2015/05/golden-trailer-awards-winners-2015-furious-7-1201421951/ |archive-date=May 8, 2015 |access-date=November 26, 2023 |website=Deadline Hollywood}}

Legacy

One week before the film's release, the tabloids reported that reshoots took place shortly after the end of production to tie the film into the planned cinematic universe.{{cite news|last1=Faraci|first1=Devin|title=DRACULA UNTOLD Will Fit Into Universal's Monsterverse|url=http://badassdigest.com/2014/10/01/dracula-untold-will-fit-into-universals-monsterverse/|access-date=October 2, 2014|publisher=badassdigest.com|date=October 1, 2014|archive-date=October 4, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141004175104/http://badassdigest.com/2014/10/01/dracula-untold-will-fit-into-universals-monsterverse|url-status=live}} A representative from Universal later denied that Dracula Untold was meant to start any sort of universe.{{cite news|last1=Ford|first1=Rebecca|last2=Kit|first2=Borys|title=How 'Dracula Untold's' New Ending Could Tie Into Universal's Monster Universe|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/how-dracula-untolds-new-ending-740757|access-date=October 16, 2014|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=October 15, 2014|archive-date=November 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171112170419/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/how-dracula-untolds-new-ending-740757|url-status=live}} Producer Alissa Phillips hoped that Evans's character might have a cameo in a future The Mummy film and also spoke of a potential sequel to Dracula to reboot the franchise.{{cite news|title=Producer Confirms that Dracula Untold is the First Part of the Universal Monsters Reboot|url=http://www.heyuguys.com/producer-confirms-dracula-untold-first-part-universal-monsters-reboot/|access-date=October 2, 2014|publisher=heyuguys.com|date=October 2, 2014|archive-date=October 4, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141004052633/http://www.heyuguys.com/producer-confirms-dracula-untold-first-part-universal-monsters-reboot/|url-status=live}} Director Gary Shore commented that the film was optional for Universal to use it as a launching pad for the franchise.{{cite news|last1=KRUPA|first1=DANIEL|title=Is Dracula Untold a Part of the Shared Monsters Universe?|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/10/02/dracula-untold-can-be-the-first-chapter-in-the-shared-monsters-universe|access-date=October 2, 2014|publisher=ign.com|date=October 2, 2014|archive-date=October 3, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141003001905/http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/10/02/dracula-untold-can-be-the-first-chapter-in-the-shared-monsters-universe|url-status=live}} After the release of Dracula Untold, the connections to the shared universe were downplayed, and The Mummy (2017) was re-positioned as the first film in the series.{{cite news|last=McClintock|first=Pamela|title=Universal Stakes Out Release Date for Third Monster Movie|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/universal-stakes-release-date-third-890292|access-date=September 24, 2016|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=May 3, 2016|archive-date=June 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612162834/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/universal-stakes-release-date-third-890292|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|last=Mendelson|first=Scott|title=What Universal Must Do To Sell Its Classic Monsters Universe|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2016/07/13/what-universal-must-do-to-sell-its-classic-monsters-universe/#7772cec46b38|access-date=September 24, 2016|magazine=Forbes|date=July 13, 2016|archive-date=July 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712010821/https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2016/07/13/what-universal-must-do-to-sell-its-classic-monsters-universe/#7772cec46b38|url-status=live}}

By January 2019, Universal announced plans to return to standalone features instead of using a shared film narrative, effectively ending the Dark Universe.{{Cite web|last=Kroll|first=Justin|date=2019-01-25|title='Invisible Man' Finds Director, Sets New Course for Universal's Monster Legacy (EXCLUSIVE)|url=https://variety.com/2019/film/news/universal-finds-director-invisible-man-studios-monster-legacy-1203117708/|access-date=2020-12-15|website=Variety|archive-date=November 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125181231/https://variety.com/2019/film/news/universal-finds-director-invisible-man-studios-monster-legacy-1203117708/|url-status=live}}

See also

References

{{Reflist}}