It seems that Netflix is currently in the process of transforming the iconic Castlevania game into an animated series which will be launching later this year with a second series due in 2018.
The Castlevania Game was first released back in 1986 and takes the form of a dark fantasy-themed action-adventure video game created and developed by Konami. The game centers on the Belmont family, a clan of vampire hunters, and their eternal fight with Dracula. Over the years, Castlevania has become a beloved franchise with numerous sequels, spin-offs, and adaptations across various platforms.
The Legacy of Castlevania
The original Castlevania game set the stage for what would become a long-running and influential series. Players took on the role of Simon Belmont, armed with a whip and various sub-weapons, as he navigated through Dracula’s castle to defeat the vampire lord. The game’s challenging gameplay, atmospheric music, and gothic visuals captivated players and established many conventions that would be seen in future titles.
Subsequent games in the series expanded on the lore and gameplay mechanics. Titles like “Castlevania: Symphony of the Night” introduced RPG elements and non-linear exploration, influencing the “Metroidvania” genre. The series has also seen entries on handheld consoles, 3D action games, and even mobile adaptations, each bringing something new to the table while maintaining the core essence of Castlevania.
Transition to the Screen
Adi Shankar announced the news via Facebook explaining:
Castlevania is a Netflix Original Series with Season 1 launching in 2017 and Season 2 in 2018. Furthermore, I personally guarantee that it will end the streak and be the western world’s first good video game adaptation.
The transition from video game to animated series is a significant step for the Castlevania franchise. Video game adaptations have historically struggled to capture the essence of their source material, often resulting in disappointing films and shows. However, with Adi Shankar’s confident statement, fans are hopeful that this series will break the mold and deliver a faithful and engaging adaptation.
The series is being written by Warren Ellis, a renowned comic book writer known for his work on titles like “Transmetropolitan” and “Planetary.” Ellis’s involvement brings a level of credibility and excitement to the project, as his storytelling prowess is well-regarded in the industry. The combination of Shankar’s vision and Ellis’s writing promises a series that stays true to the dark, gothic atmosphere of the games while exploring new narrative depths.
As soon as more details, trailers, and confirmed release dates are announced by Netflix, we will keep you up-to-date as always. The anticipation for the series is palpable, with fans eager to see how the Belmont family’s battle against Dracula will be brought to life in animated form.
The Castlevania series on Netflix represents a broader trend of video game adaptations finding new life on streaming platforms. With the success of shows like “The Witcher,” which also started as a video game adaptation, there is a growing recognition of the potential for rich storytelling within the gaming world. Castlevania’s deep lore and iconic characters make it a prime candidate for such an adaptation, and the involvement of passionate creators bodes well for its success.
Source: Glixel : Adi Shankar : Engadget : Warren Ellis
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