Renfield just catapulted to the top of my list of 2023 must-see twisted comedies, kicking Cocaine Bear into second place. Universal Pictures unveiled the official trailer along with a teaser poster and two stills from the film, and director Chris McKay took to Twitter to share his joy at Renfield seeing the light of day – or dark of movie theaters – soon, thanks to Universal.
“So excited for you all to see this. An incredible cast and crew came together in NOLA to make an action packed, gory comedy. Thank you to @UniversalPics for letting us make a f*cked up Dracula movie starring @NicholasHoult #awkwafina #nicolascage @rejectedjokes and more!” – @buddboetticher
The two-minute trailer kicks off with Nicholas Hoult seeking help to get out of a toxic relationship. That “relationship” is, of course, the one he shares as Renfeld with Nicolas Cage’s Dracula. While Dracula wants Renfield to fetch dozens of innocent victims (including nuns and cheerleaders), Renfeld just wants a normal life. Yeah, right.
The cast also includes Awkwafina, Ben Schwartz, Adrian Martinez, and Brandon Scott Jones. McKay directed from a screenplay by Ryan Ridley, based on an original idea by Robert Kirkman. McKay also serves as producer along with Kirkman, David Alpert, Bryan Furst, and Sean Furst. Samantha Nisenboim executive produces.
Renfield opens in theaters on April 14, 2023.
The Renfield Plot:
Evil doesn’t span eternity without a little help.
In this modern monster tale of Dracula’s loyal servant, Nicholas Hoult (Mad Max: Fury Road, The Menu) stars as Renfield, the tortured aide to history’s most narcissistic boss, Dracula (Oscar winner Nicolas Cage). Renfield is forced to procure his master’s prey and do his every bidding, no matter how debased. But now, after centuries of servitude, Renfield is ready to see if there’s a life outside the shadow of The Prince of Darkness. If only he can figure out how to end his codependency.
