Meyers to star in small-screen 'Dracula'

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., July 24 (UPI) -- NBC and Sky Living say they are working on a co-production of "Dracula," a drama series starring Irish actor Jonathan Rhys Meyers.

The project from the producers of "Downton Abbey" was announced jointly Tuesday by Universal Television Executive Vice President Bela Bajaria and Sky's head of drama, Anne Mensah.

Meyers is best known for his work in the drama series "The Tudors" and the TV movie "Elvis." His film credits include "August Rush," "Vanity Fair," "Match Point," "The Velvet Goldmine" and "Michael Collins."

The 10-episode series introduces Dracula as he arrives in London, posing as an American entrepreneur who maintains he wants to bring modern science to Victorian society when, in reality, he seeks revenge because his life was ruined centuries earlier, a synopsis said.

The show is to begin production this year.

"We are delighted that Jonathan Rhys Meyers has chosen this project to return to television and have built an amazing team of producers behind the camera to deliver this extraordinary show," Michael Edelstein, president of NBCUniversal International Television Production, said in a statement. "Since 1897, the story of Dracula has captivated readers and viewers alike and this sexy, updated twist on the classic also promises not to disappoint."

Additional casting and production details for the British-American co-production were not announced.