Dracula Untold (2014) is Universal Pictures’ attempt at rebooting the legendary Dracula myth into a dark superhero-style origin story. Directed by Gary Shore, it mixes gothic horror with high fantasy action. Below, we’ll dive into every aspect of the film, including its ending, production details, cast, and even whether there’s a post-credits scene.
The film follows Vlad III Tepes (Luke Evans), also known as Vlad the Impaler. Once a child soldier raised by the Turks, he has returned to Wallachia to rule as a peaceful prince, determined to leave behind his bloody past. Vlad wants nothing more than to protect his people and family—his wife Mirena (Sarah Gadon) and their son Ingeras.
The Threat of the Ottoman Empire
Tensions rise when Sultan Mehmed II (Dominic Cooper) demands not only tribute from Vlad’s people but also 1,000 boys to be trained as soldiers, including Vlad’s own son. Vlad refuses, knowing submission would doom his people and strip him of his honor.
The Vampire’s Bargain
In search of power to fight back, Vlad turns to a mysterious ancient vampire living in a cave (played by Charles Dance). This creature offers Vlad immense power in exchange for a curse: for three days, he will possess the strength and abilities of a vampire. If Vlad resists feeding on human blood, he will return to normal; if he gives in, he will become a vampire for eternity. Vlad accepts, hoping the temporary powers will help him defeat the Turks.
War and Transformation
With his newfound speed, strength, and ability to control bats, Vlad decimates the Ottoman armies. However, his own people begin to fear him as his monstrous side becomes more evident. The moral conflict intensifies as Vlad struggles to protect his humanity while his thirst for blood grows stronger.
Tragedy of Mirena
During the final confrontation, Mirena is fatally wounded. In her dying moments, she begs Vlad to drink her blood, knowing it will make his transformation permanent but also allow him to save their son from Mehmed. Heartbroken, Vlad accepts and fully embraces the vampire curse.
The climax unfolds with Vlad storming Mehmed’s camp. The Sultan, aware of Vlad’s powers, spreads silver coins on the ground, weakening him. Despite the disadvantage, Vlad uses his cunning and newfound vampire strength to impale Mehmed on a stake of silver and kill him.
After the battle, Vlad attempts to save his people, but they fear what he has become. To spare them from his curse, he releases his control of the clouds, exposing himself to sunlight and seemingly burning to death. His son is left behind to rule under the protection of others.
However, the story doesn’t end there. Centuries later, in modern-day London, Vlad is revealed to still be alive, walking among humans. He encounters Mina, a woman who resembles his late wife Mirena, suggesting his eternal quest for love continues. In the background, the Master Vampire (Charles Dance) watches, saying ominously: “Let the games begin.”
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
Yes—sort of. Instead of a traditional post-credits scene, there’s a mid-credits epilogue set in modern times. This teases the possibility of a larger shared universe, which Universal once planned as the “Dark Universe.” Sadly, those plans were abandoned after Dracula Untold underperformed at the box office.
Type of Movie
The film is a dark fantasy action-drama with horror elements. While inspired by gothic literature, it leans heavily into a superhero-style narrative rather than traditional horror.
Cast
Luke Evans as Vlad III Tepes / Dracula
Sarah Gadon as Mirena
Dominic Cooper as Sultan Mehmed II
Charles Dance as Master Vampire
Art Parkinson as Ingeras (Vlad’s son)
Diarmaid Murtagh as Dumitru
Film Music and Composer
The score was composed by Ramin Djawadi, best known for his work on Game of Thrones and Westworld. His sweeping, darkly dramatic themes emphasize both the tragedy and grandeur of Vlad’s transformation.
Filming Locations
The film was shot primarily in Northern Ireland (Belfast, Giant’s Causeway, and Tollymore Forest Park). These landscapes provided the misty, gothic atmosphere essential for Wallachia’s portrayal, as well as the haunting mountain backdrops for the vampire’s cave.
The film received mixed reviews and did not earn major awards. However, it was noted in some technical circles for its visual effects and production design.
Behind the Scenes Insights
Luke Evans did much of his own stunt work, especially sword-fighting sequences.
The production made heavy use of green screen, particularly in battle scenes with armies of bats.
Charles Dance spent hours in prosthetics for his role as the ancient vampire, creating a menacing and unforgettable presence.
The movie was initially planned to be part of a larger Universal Monsters cinematic universe, but after its reception, the idea was rebooted again with The Mummy (2017).
Inspirations and References
The movie draws from both historical Vlad Tepes legends and Bram Stoker’s Dracula novel, but takes great liberties. It reimagines Vlad not as an eternal monster, but as a tragic anti-hero sacrificing his humanity for love and country.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
Early drafts reportedly had darker endings, including one where Vlad dies permanently in the past. The studio pushed for a modern-day ending to leave the door open for sequels and crossovers. Some deleted scenes showed extended council debates among Vlad’s people, which were cut for pacing.
Book Adaptations and Differences
While inspired by Bram Stoker’s Dracula, this film is not a direct adaptation. Instead, it reworks the legend into an origin story. The key difference is that the movie portrays Vlad as a sympathetic protector rather than a purely monstrous villain.
Vlad’s first encounter with the Master Vampire in the cave.
Vlad single-handedly destroying an Ottoman army with a swarm of bats.
Mirena’s tragic fall and her plea for Vlad to embrace the curse.
The silver coin battle with Mehmed.
The modern-day epilogue with Vlad and Mina.
Iconic Quotes
Master Vampire: “Let the games begin.”
Vlad: “Sometimes the world doesn’t need a hero. Sometimes it needs a monster.”
Mirena: “If this is the price you must pay to save our people, then pay it.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
The Master Vampire’s line at the end hints at a larger monster universe, connecting Dracula to Frankenstein and other iconic characters.
Vlad’s armor is designed to subtly resemble a bat when viewed from above.
The film opens with a narration that mirrors historical chronicles of Vlad the Impaler.
Trivia
The film cost around $70 million but earned only moderate box office returns, preventing sequels.
Ramin Djawadi composed the score in only a few months due to the film’s tight post-production schedule.
Charles Dance later joked that his character looked like a “gothic Nosferatu in rags.”
Why Watch?
Watch Dracula Untold if you enjoy dark, tragic reimaginings of classic characters with a strong action-fantasy twist. It’s a blend of epic battle sequences, gothic atmosphere, and a love story that redefines Dracula not as pure evil, but as a man who became a monster for the sake of love and loyalty.
Director’s Other Works
Gary Shore mostly directed commercials before Dracula Untold. The film remains his most notable feature.
