Gerard Butler’s rarely remembered horror film Dracula 2000, which holds a 19% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, will be available for streaming on Paramount+ starting September 1, 2025. Known primarily for his action roles in franchises like 300 and Has Fallen, Butler’s early career once included this Wes Craven-produced vampire movie that struggled both critically and commercially.
At the time of Dracula 2000’s release, the film failed to recoup its $54 million budget, earning just over $47 million worldwide. This lackluster performance may have influenced Butler’s decision to focus on action roles, steering away from horror where he initially took lead. The movie’s new presence on Paramount+ resurrects interest in this offbeat entry in Butler’s filmography.
A Closer Look at the Unconventional Dracula 2000
Gerard Butler portrays a distinctive version of Dracula with long hair and a charismatic presence, markedly different from his later tough-guy roles. Set in a modern 21st Century New Orleans, the film nods to Anne Rice’s vampire lore but takes unusual creative liberties with the Dracula story. The vampire reveals himself not just as a monster, but as Judas Iscariot, cursed after betraying Jesus Christ and condemned to immortality as a bloodthirsty fiend.
This twist—that Dracula is Judas seeking revenge on humanity and Jesus by unleashing a vampire plague—is a bold divergence from Bram Stoker’s classic. It adds a dark religious vengeance theme to the film, setting it apart from typical vampire narratives of the era. The film blends horror with this mythic element while portraying Dracula’s return to terrorize the world following his defeat by Van Helsing.
Visually, Dracula 2000 is notable for its gothic and modern aesthetic blend, supported by a cast including Christopher Plummer, Jeri Ryan, Omar Epps, and Jennifer Esposito. The presence of these seasoned actors adds depth to the story, complementing Butler’s portrayal of the conflicted vampire.
Why Dracula 2000 Remains Worth Watching
Dracula 2000 offers a rare glimpse at Gerard Butler’s early career and a genre experiment from Wes Craven, known best for his work in the horror field with Nightmare on Elm Street. Despite its poor reviews and box office reception, the film commands attention due to its unique vampire mythology and Butler’s unconventional role as Dracula.
Fans who primarily know Butler for his action hero persona might find this earlier performance surprising and intriguing, highlighting a very different side of the actor. The film’s blend of biblical allegory with classic horror motifs creates a striking narrative that challenges vampire film conventions from the early 2000s.
By bringing Dracula 2000 to Paramount+, the streamer offers horror aficionados and Butler fans an opportunity to revisit this cult curiosity and perhaps reassess the film’s place in both Butler’s career and vampire cinema history. Its availability will likely spark renewed discussion about what might have been had the film succeeded commercially.
