“House Of The Dragons”-Star Olivia Cooke Cast As Lead In Vampire-Horror „Brides“

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Olivia Cooke Sinks Her Teeth Into A Bold New Role

Actress Olivia Cooke, who recently starred as Queen Alicent in HBO’s series “House of the Dragon,” has been selected to play the main role in “Brides,” a chilling vampire-themed horror film directed and written by Chloe Okuno.

In this adaptation, Maika Monroe, known for her roles in “It Follows” and “Watcher”, was initially chosen but had to step down because of scheduling issues related to the film “Reminders of Him” from Universal Studios.

Her acting background is steeped in roles from movies such as “Thoroughbreds,” “Sound of Metal,” and “Ready Player One.

As a gamer, I’d put it like this: “I, as Sally Bishop, am on a journey to regain my composure after a harrowing mental breakdown. This leads me to a secluded Italian villa under the control of an enigmatic count, where the real adventure begins.

Known for period-appropriate scowls and elaborate gowns, Cooke seems perfectly suited to this role

A Feminist Gothic Tale Set In 1960s Italy

The film is characterized as “darkly opulent and grisly,” and it’s set in the captivating atmosphere of 1960s Italy, a period marked by significant social transformation and the remnants of aristocratic elegance.

Sally Bishop and her husband travel to a remote villa in the wake of Sally’s nervous breakdown. The villa’s owner, a mysterious count, takes a peculiar interest in Sally. But he gets far more than he anticipated when Sally’s feminist chaos is added to his perfect, violent Eden of vampire brides.

The theme or plot of the movie mirrors the growing social and political unrest related to gender equality during the 1960s in Western societies, which was marked by second-wave feminism – a movement advocating for changes in traditional gender roles, pushing for workplace equity, and challenging patriarchal norms.

Reimagining Dracula

Inspired by Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Brides promises to flip the original narrative on its head.

Rather than portraying women as hapless victims or submissive vampire spouses, we encounter Sally, a character who introduces “feminist upheaval” into the centuries-old, meticulously maintained hierarchy of the count’s domain.

As a gamer, I’m eagerly anticipating this film that seems to delve into the struggle between raw passion and social constraints – a battle as intriguing as any quest in my favorite games. It also appears to explore deep layers of the lore surrounding vampires, which is always fascinating!

Creative Team And Production Details

The movie “Brides” is helmed by Chloe Okuno, whose acclaimed work “Watcher” garnered recognition for its skillfully built suspense and strong feminist undertones. This upcoming production is being handled by Anthony Bregman and Stefanie Azpiazu of Likely Story (known for “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” and “In the Heights”), while Neon will be responsible for its theatrical distribution.

Although the movie’s plot unfolds in Italy, principal photography for the film began in spring 2025 in Budapest, Hungary – a popular setting for dark stories due to its historic architecture and haunting ambiance.

The Movie Industry: From Teen Vampires To Mature Horror

Brides make an appearance as the vampire film genre experiences a strong revival, offering a potent punch. Films like Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu and Flesh of the Gods, featuring Kristen Stewart, hint that the genre is moving away from the sparkle-and-emotion focus of the 2000s and shifting towards more intricate, historically grounded, and psychologically profound narratives.

Previously, vampires were often found lurking within high school walls, but now they seem to dwell on the edges of authority and pain. The upcoming series “Brides” appears ideally suited to carry on this development in their portrayal.

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2025-06-05 00:40