Jonathan Bailey & Ella Purnell lead star-studded Audible 'Dracula' — first look out
Synopsis
Jonathan Bailey plays Dracula and Ella Purnell is Mina in a sweeping Audible Original adaptation of Bram Stoker's gothic classic — directed by Pet Sematary's Mary Lambert and launching in seven languages from 1 October 2026. The first-look reveal signals one of audio entertainment's most ambitious prestige productions of the year.
Key Takeaways
Jonathan Bailey plays Dracula and Ella Purnell plays Mina in the new Audible Original adaptation of Bram Stoker's classic.
The ensemble also includes Maggie Gyllenhaal as Professor Van Helsing , Aimee Lou Wood as Lucy , and Lesley Manville as Mrs Westenra .
The production is directed by Mary Lambert ( Pet Sematary ), adapted by Robyn Ahern , with a score by Ilan Eshkeri .
The English, French, Italian, Castilian Spanish, and Latin American Spanish editions launch on 1 October 2026 .
The German edition follows on 9 February 2027 ; the Brazilian Portuguese edition arrives later in 2027 .
The first glimpse of the highly anticipated Audible Original adaptation of Bram Stoker's 'Dracula' has been unveiled, featuring an ensemble led by Jonathan Bailey and Ella Purnell. The production, launching across multiple languages and markets, marks one of the most ambitious audio adaptations of the gothic horror classic in recent memory.
A Star-Studded Cast
The English-language production brings together some of the most recognisable names from prestige television and film. Jonathan Bailey, known for his role in Wicked, steps into the iconic role of Dracula, while Ella Purnell of Fallout fame plays Mina. Aimee Lou Wood (The White Lotus) portrays Lucy, and Louis Partridge (Enola Holmes) takes on the role of Jonathan.
The cast also includes David Jonsson (Industry) as Dr Seward, Lesley Manville (Phantom Thread) as Mrs Westenra, Johnny Flynn (Ripley) as Renfield, Francis Lovehall (A Thousand Blows) as Arthur, and Maggie Gyllenhaal (The Dark Knight) as the enigmatic Professor Van Helsing.
The Story Reimagined
This adaptation places Mina Murray at the centre of the narrative. After her fiancé goes missing in Transylvania, Mina pieces together fragments of letters, diary entries, and chilling testimonies to hunt a predator stalking those she loves — only to discover the predator is already hunting her. As her closest friend Lucy succumbs to Dracula's thrall, Mina enlists the help of the mysterious Professor Van Helsing to wage war on the ancient threat.
The adaptation leans into the psychological dimensions of Stoker's original novel, foregrounding Mina's intellect and agency in a retelling that reportedly emphasises the horror of an enemy who infiltrates not just physical spaces but the mind itself.
Creative Team Behind the Production
The audiobook is directed by Mary Lambert, best known for directing Pet Sematary, marking her debut as an audiobook director. The script has been adapted by Robyn Ahern, with an original score composed by Ilan Eshkeri. The combination of a celebrated horror director and a fresh score signals a production that aims to transcend the typical audiobook format.
Global Rollout and Launch Dates
The production will be available in seven languages: English, Castilian Spanish, French, German, Italian, Latin American Spanish, and Brazilian Portuguese — each with an all-star local cast. The English, French, Italian, Castilian Spanish, and Latin American Spanish editions are set to launch on 1 October 2026. The German edition will premiere on 9 February 2027, while the Brazilian Portuguese edition is slated for release later in 2027.
With its October premiere just weeks away, the Audible 'Dracula' is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about audio productions of the year.
Point of View
But the more intriguing choice is Maggie Gyllenhaal as Van Helsing, a gender-flipped reimagining that signals this adaptation is not simply trading on nostalgia. Mary Lambert directing her first audiobook after decades in horror film is another unusual pairing worth watching. The seven-language simultaneous rollout reflects Audible's ambitions to own the prestige audio space globally, not just in English markets. Whether the format can sustain the psychological dread of Stoker's original — without the visual scaffolding of film — is the real creative bet here.
NationPress
15 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who plays Dracula in the new Audible Original adaptation?
Jonathan Bailey, known for his role in Wicked, plays Dracula in the new Audible Original adaptation of Bram Stoker's classic. Ella Purnell of Fallout plays Mina, the story's central protagonist.
When does the Audible 'Dracula' launch?
The English, French, Italian, Castilian Spanish, and Latin American Spanish editions of the Audible 'Dracula' launch on 1 October 2026. The German edition premieres on 9 February 2027, and the Brazilian Portuguese edition is expected later in 2027.
Who directed the Audible 'Dracula' adaptation?
The production is directed by Mary Lambert, best known for directing Pet Sematary, in her audiobook directing debut. The script was adapted by Robyn Ahern, with an original score by Ilan Eshkeri.
Who else is in the cast of the Audible 'Dracula'?
The cast includes Aimee Lou Wood as Lucy, Louis Partridge as Jonathan, David Jonsson as Dr Seward, Lesley Manville as Mrs Westenra, Johnny Flynn as Renfield, Francis Lovehall as Arthur, and Maggie Gyllenhaal as Professor Van Helsing.
What is the storyline of the Audible 'Dracula' adaptation?
The story follows Mina Murray, who pieces together letters, diary entries, and testimonies after her fiancé disappears in Transylvania, only to discover the predator she is hunting is already hunting her. The adaptation foregrounds Mina's intellect and agency, leaning into the psychological horror of Stoker's original novel.
