A fresh adaptation rooted in the Stephen King influence on new Dracula movie adaptation is set to premiere soon, as Joe Hill’s story puts a chilling spin on Bram Stoker’s classic. Shudder will release “Abraham’s Boys: A Dracula Story,” which explores the dark ramifications of Abraham Van Helsing’s legacy and how it shapes his sons, Max and Rudy.
A Twisted Family Story at the Heart of the New Film
Based on Hill’s 2004 short story from “20th Century Ghosts,” this film follows vampire slayer Abraham Van Helsing and his efforts to prepare his sons for a life spent combating vampires. Instead of a traditional heroic tale, the movie focuses on trauma and the burdens passed down from father to sons, revealing the emotional complexities behind the legendary family of hunters. According to the synopsis from Shudder:
Unaware of his dark past, they struggle to understand his paranoia and increasingly erratic behavior. But when they begin to uncover the violent truths behind their father’s history with Dracula, their world unravels, forcing them to confront the terrifying legacy they were never meant to inherit.
—Shudder Official Synopsis
Parallels to Stephen King’s Influence and Visual Nod to Salem’s Lot
Notably, the trailer for “Abraham’s Boys: A Dracula Story” draws a visual comparison between its depiction of Dracula and Mr. Barlow, the vampire from the adaptation of Stephen King’s “Salem’s Lot.” As Van Helsing and his family attempt to build a new life in a remote area, they are once again haunted by an undead presence, which eerily disrupts their fragile peace. The tension intensifies when Van Helsing’s wife begins displaying behavior suggestive of supernatural manipulation. Fans of the genre may recognize these visual callbacks as a deliberate homage to King’s iconic horror imagery.
A Look at Joe Hill’s Adaptations and Hollywood Connections
Joe Hill, the son of Stephen King, has seen several of his own works adapted for the screen. His 2010 novel “Horns” became a feature film starring Daniel Radcliffe in 2013, while his comic series “Locke & Key” was transformed into a Netflix show in 2020. Both Hill and King collaborated on “In The Tall Grass,” which Netflix reimagined in 2019. Hill’s short story “The Black Phone,” adapted by director Scott Derrickson, made its way to theaters in 2021 and is soon to receive a sequel featuring Ethan Hawke.
Production Team and Release Details
“Abraham’s Boys: A Dracula Story” is directed by Natasha Kermani and features a cast including Titus Welliver, Jocelin Donahue, Judah Mackey, Aurora Perrineau, and Brady Hepner. The film blends psychological intensity with horror, aligning with both Hill’s storytelling and the atmospheric legacy of Stephen King’s influence. The movie is slated to arrive in theaters on July 11, after which it will stream exclusively on Shudder.
What Comes Next for the Dracula Legacy in Horror
This adaptation represents another step in the long and evolving line of horror stories influenced by both Bram Stoker and Stephen King. With new takes on Dracula, such as the upcoming project from director Luc Besson and sequels like “Black Phone 2,” the exploration of fear and family continues to resonate. As fresh interpretations reach audiences, the intersection between past legends and contemporary horror ensures the Dracula myth endures in unsettling new forms.
