Crack open the garlic cloves and wooden stakes, Count Dracula has found himself a new arch-nemesis. Yes, after ordering a 13-episode Van Helsing series late last year, Syfy has now secured Kelly Overton for the title role of Vanessa.
Swapping one breed of vampire for another, the True Blood veteran took to Twitter to share a familiar poster for Syfy’s new hourlong drama, which looks awful similar to Screen Gems’ lucrative Resident Evil film series.
— Kelly Overton (@iamkellyoverton) February 17, 2016
Raised from the dead, Overton’s monster hunter is the latest in a long line of Van Helsing warriors, reluctant heroes tasked with battling all things supernatural. Throughout many adaptations, the enduring Dutch doctor has been portrayed as an intellectual chap with an astute mix of expertise and field experience, which really ought to give the actress plenty to chew on.
Joining her for the small screen reimagining are Jonathan Scarfe and Christopher Heyerdahl (Hell on Wheels), Paul Johansson (Mad Men), David Cubitt (Ray Donovan), and Tim Guinee (Homeland). Showrunner Neil LaBute will take point for the hotly-anticipated pilot, which is currently on track to land sometime this fall. Nomadic Pictures, meanwhile, are behind the gender-swapped Van Helsing.
Kelly Overton will pick up the sword and stake when Van Helsing marches into production on February 22 in Vancouver. It’s understood Syfy is targeting a September premiere for the new property.