Nicolas Cage As Dracula Haunts A Beleaguered Nicholas Hoult In 'Renfield'

Academy Award winner Nicolas Cage stars in the role of a lifetime, the iconic Count Dracula, in the upcoming horror-comedy, "Renfield." The film also stars Nicholas Hoult, who portrays the vampiric count's titular, put-upon, and mistreated familiar/servant. Universal Pictures dropped the first trailer for the upcoming film this week, which is available now:

https://youtu.be/6LmO6rmDW08

The post-modern comedy comes from filmmaker Chris McKay ("The LEGO Batman Movie," "The Tomorrow War"). Set in the present day, Dracula's longtime servant, Renfield has had enough of working for his evil boss. Unfortunately, Renfield has to do Dracula's every bidding and secure his prey, no matter what.

After working for Dracula for hundreds of years, Dracula is now looking to live his own life and break free from Dracula's grasp and end their codependency for good. Based on the new footage, Renfield will be attending a hilarious group therapy session, looking for advice to get out of a "toxic relationship." Also, it appears Awkwafina will portray Renfield's love interest, a police officer who finds out about his connection to Dracula.

Obviously, the main attraction of this film will be Cage portraying The Prince of Darkness himself. Cage certainly looks like he's in his element and having the time of his life here getting to play Dracula in a horror comedy. It meshes well with his recent turn in "The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent," released last year, where he portrayed a wackier version of himself who gets drawn into a hostage situation with the head of a drug cartel.

The film looks to be expanding the role of the Renfield character from Bram Stoker's "Dracula" novel. In the book, Dracula manipulates the demented Renfield into worshipping and serving him by giving him insects and rats to feed on to make Renfield immortal. For the purposes of the movie, it looks like Dracula did make Renfield immortal.

Also, by feeding on insects and bugs, it looks like Renfield is able to gain superpowers, strength, and heightened senses to aid him in battle. However, it looks like poor Renfield breaking free of the lord of all vampires is easier said than done, as "the dark one" arrives at Renfield's therapy group, likely for some depraved dinner on the innocent bystanders.

The film features a script by writer Ryan Ridley, who has previously worked on the "Rick & Morty" series. That type of "Rick & Morty" style and vibe can easily be seen through the trailer.

"Renfield" also stars Ben Schwartz ("Sonic the Hedgehog," "Parks and Recreation," "The Afterparty") and Adrian Martinez ("The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," "Focus"). It's produced by Skybound Entertainment's Robert Kirkman, the creator of "The Walking Dead," and David Alpert.

Hoult also currently stars in the recent Fox Searchlight release, "The Menu," opposite Ralph Fiennes and Anya Taylor-Joy. The film has received a great deal of critical acclaim, scoring 89% on Rotten Tomatoes. The film is out now in theaters.

"Renfield" will hit take a bite out of theaters on April 14.