Renowned Romanian filmmaker Radu Jude, whose critically acclaimed works include "Kontinental '25," "Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn," and "Do Not Expect Too Much From the End of the World," is set to make his highly anticipated world premiere of his latest feature, "Dracula," at the Locarno Film Festival on Sunday. However, Jude is already penning another cinematic endeavor centered around a beloved character from another horror classic—Frankenstein. And none other than Marvel Cinematic Universe star Sebastian Stan, best known for his roles in "The Apprentice," "A Different Man," "Pam & Tommy," and "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier," is lined up to take the lead.
"I'm currently working on a film," Jude revealed to The Hollywood Reporter. "It's a Frankenstein film set in Romania. It's going to be titled simply, 'Frankenstein in Romania.'" Jude and Stan had earlier discussed their mutual interest in collaborating, but at the time, Jude hadn't conceived an idea. However, he later pitched his Frankenstein concept to the Romanian-born actor, who moved to the U.S. with his mother, and Stan reportedly loved it. Jude envisions Stan embodying "both roles," portraying both Victor Frankenstein and his monstrous creation.
The narrative is rumored to intertwine the historical account of a clandestine CIA prison in Romania with the mythical legend of Frankenstein's monster. Meanwhile, Netflix's dark reimagining of Frankenstein, helmed by Guillermo del Toro and starring Jacob Elordi, Oscar Isaac, and Mia Goth, has been announced as part of the Venice Film Festival's competition lineup.
Jude has had a bustling year in 2025. Earlier this year, he premiered "Kontinental '25," an absurdist comedy-drama that delves into Romania's housing crisis and the country's conflicted middle class, at the Berlin Film Festival. The film ultimately garnered the Silver Bear for best screenplay.
On Sunday afternoon, Jude will unveil "Dracula," his daring dissection of the Dracula myth, imbued with the dark comedy for which he is renowned, in the main competition program of the 78th edition of the Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland. "This film contains scenes that may jolt the sensitivities of some viewers," warns the festival's website.
Following Locarno, Jude intends to lens another film. "It's akin to a far-reaching dialogue with 'The Diary of a Chambermaid,' the novel by Octave Mirbeau," Jude shared with The Hollywood Reporter. "I aim to explore themes of immigration and Romanians working abroad. It's the tale of a woman who toils for a French family in Bordeaux, while her young daughter stays back home. Hence, it's a film centered around these poignant issues." This signifies a departure from the "Dracula"-esque tone. "In a sense, it aligns more with 'Kontinental '25'; it's somewhat more grave," Jude explained. "I'm fascinated by examining this bond between the Western world and Romania, as well as Eastern Europe, through the narrative of a character."
