“Renfield” is a comedy horror movie inspired by Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel “Dracula.” Directed by Chris McKay, the film stars Nicholas Hoult as Renfield, the loyal but tortured servant of Count Dracula, played by Nicolas Cage. The story follows Renfield as he tries to break free from Dracula’s control after he falls in love with a traffic cop named Rebecca Quincy. Together, they work on a plan to help him escape Dracula’s grasp and experience freedom for the first time in centuries. The film is set in modern-day New Orleans, where Renfield and Dracula cause chaos in various locations, including their home, an occult-themed restaurant, and a torture chamber inside an abandoned church.
Where was “Renfield” filmed?
The filming of “Renfield” took place in Louisiana, specifically in and around New Orleans. The principal photography began in early February 2022 and was completed by mid-April 2022. The filmmakers chose New Orleans because of its unique architecture and historical atmosphere, which perfectly matched the dark and eerie theme of the movie.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans was the primary location where “Renfield” was filmed. The city is known for its rich history and a wide variety of old buildings and homes. Many TV shows and movies choose New Orleans as a filming location because of its unique look and feel. In “Renfield,” the city provided a perfect backdrop, blending the ancient feel of Dracula’s world with the modern life of Renfield.
Abandoned Charity Hospital: One of the most important filming locations in “Renfield” was an abandoned charity hospital in New Orleans. This hospital was used as Dracula’s modern-day lair in the movie. The production designer, Nicholas Hammond, explained that the hospital’s history and structure made it look like a modern version of Dracula’s castle. The exterior of the hospital was used to create the silhouette of Dracula’s castle, adding to the creepy atmosphere of the movie. There were even rumors that the hospital was haunted, which added to the eerie feeling on set.
On-Location Filming in New Orleans: Since the story of “Renfield” is set in New Orleans, the filmmakers decided to shoot most of the scenes on location in the city. They used a soundstage in one of the film studios in and around New Orleans to build Dracula’s basement and the hospital basement. Besides that, many important scenes were shot on location in New Orleans, taking advantage of the city’s authentic architecture and ambiance. This made New Orleans almost like another character in the movie.
Gallier Hall: In late March 2022, locals and passersby saw Nicholas Hoult and other cast members filming some key scenes in and around Gallier Hall, located at 545 St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans. “Renfield” also features other interesting locations, like the Lobos’ lavish mansion and the rundown hospital where Renfield and Dracula live.
Incident During Filming: Unfortunately, during the early stages of production, on 8 February 2022, over 20 vehicles belonging to the crew members were burglarized in a parking lot near Mardi Gras World on Tchoupitoulas Street. Surprisingly, a security guard was on duty during the incident. One of the crew members, Elmo Peoples, expressed his frustration, saying that his insurance papers, two bank cards, and a laptop were stolen.
Director’s Love for New Orleans: In late March 2023, during the Overlook Film Festival at the Prytania Theatre Uptown, director Chris McKay shared why he chose New Orleans as the filming location. He said, “It’s the only city in the States that looks like a European city and feels like a European city. I wanted something that was both modern and new and original to ‘Dracula’ but had connections to his past.” McKay also mentioned the city’s French and Spanish architecture and its connection to Anne Rice’s work. He added, “New Orleans is a nighttime city, and I just love the city, so, selfishly, I wanted to shoot here.”
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Renfield
Q: Where was “Renfield” filmed?
A: “Renfield” was primarily filmed in New Orleans, Louisiana. Key locations included an abandoned charity hospital used for Dracula’s lair, as well as various other authentic spots in the city that provided a unique backdrop for the movie’s modern and eerie settings.
Q: When was “Renfield” filmed?
A: The principal photography for “Renfield” took place from early February 2022 to mid-April 2022.
Q: When was “Renfield” released?
A: “Renfield” was released on April 14 2023 in the United States.
Q: Who is in the cast of “Renfield”?
A: “Renfield” features a talented cast led by Nicholas Hoult as Renfield and Nicolas Cage as Count Dracula. Awkwafina plays Rebecca Quincy, Renfield’s love interest. The cast also includes Ben Schwartz as Teddy Lobo, Adrian Martinez as Chris, Bess Rous as Carol, James Landry Hébert as Bubba, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as The Sheriff. Each actor brings a unique flair to their role, contributing to the film’s blend of comedy and horror.
Q: What is the story of “Renfield”?
A: “Renfield” follows Renfield, a long-time servant of Count Dracula, who is tired of his servitude. The story takes a turn when Renfield falls in love with a traffic cop named Rebecca Quincy. Together, they work to find a way for Renfield to break free from Dracula’s control and live a life of his own.
