Sam Worthington of Avatar and Terminator Salvation fame, is currently in negotiations to star in Universal’s new vampire pic, Dracula Year Zero, as none other than Dracula himself.

But If you’re trying hard to picture Jake Sulley in a cape with fangs, I’d think again. Apparently Universal are going for more of an origin story here, with more of a focus on the true story of Prince Vlad ‘The Impaler’ as a flawed hero in an age of magic and war.

Worthington is going to be the obvious choice for any ‘warrior’ or larger than life role from now on, and I can easily see him as Vlad the Impaler slaying people on the battlefield, but whether he can actually carry the role into a believable Dracula is something I’m not so sure about.

Historically Dracula has been played by the likes of Christopher Lee, Gary Oldman, Frank Langella, actors who are able to pour every ounce of their acting ability into the role. Worthington was good in Avatar, but I have doubts that he’ll be on a par with these other actors.

The project has no start date and it’s still in development, but as always we’ll be keeping close watch for any further developments.

Via