December 8th, 2009 | 
Author: 
Vampires pretty much put Summit Entertainment on the map after the company made the wise decision to produce and distribute “Twilight.” Now, as Summit continues to rake in money with “New Moon,” The Hollywood Reporter brings word that the house Edward Cullen built is interested in exploring the roots of the undead creatures at the heart of the franchise.
Summit will collaborate with Brad Pitt‘s production company, Plan B, on “Vlad,” a period action film about Vlad the Impaler as a young prince. The real-life 15th century Wallachian ruler, famously the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s book “Dracula,” may not be portrayed in the film as a vampire, but his connection to the mythology cannot really be ignored.
Viewers may also be reminded that Pitt starred in “Interview With the Vampire,” though it’s not likely the actor will appear in “Vlad,” for which Summit reportedly wants to “break a new talent.” After making stars out of young actors Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner, the company could be hoping to maintain a reputation for manufacturing celebrity.
Could that still qualify young English actor Charlie Hunnam, who wrote the film’s screenplay? He’s not exactly a novice, having starred in the films “Nicholas Nickleby” and “Hooligans” and TV series’ “Undeclared” and “Sons of Anarchy,” but he’s also not a big name in the grand scheme of Hollywood. And he’d probably be great as the sadistic historical figure.
Anthony Mandler, who is currently working on his debut feature, “Allegra,” may also be on board “Vlad” as director. Mandler is best known for regularly helming music videos for Jay-Z, Rihanna, The Killers, Mary J. Blige and Eminem, many of which feature a rather dark tone.
Are you “Twilight” fans interested in seeing the origins of one of the most famous vampires of all time? Do you hope Brad Pitt finds a role for himself in the film to return him to “Interview with a Vampire” territory? Who could you see in the role of “Vlad”?
Posted in Theatre Movie