Universal Pictures’ Dracula is to shoot in Northern Ireland.

Directed by Gary Shore and produced by Michael De Luca, Luke Evans [pictured] and Sarah Gadon star in the origin story of the man who became Dracula.

Pre-production commences immediately with a three-month shoot that will last from August to November.

Production will be based in Belfast with filming across various other local locations.

Richard Williams, CEO, Northern Ireland Screen said: “We are delighted to renew our relationship with Universal Pictures and look forward to working with Joe [Caracciolo, ep] and his team. Securing Dracula is a real coup for Northern Ireland; as well as offering employment for our fantastic crew-base, large-scale productions provide apprenticeship and trainee opportunities, thus helping ensure our local talent base has the opportunity to continue to develop.”