Van Helsing
Short description
Van Helsing is an action, adventure and horror film set in nineteenth-century Transylvania, a land of legends and mystery where danger emerges after sunset and monsters from humanity's worst nightmares take physical form. The famed monster hunter Gabriel Van Helsing, dispatched by a secret order, arrives in this region to destroy the evil plaguing it. He joins forces with Anna Valerious, the last of a family that has been pursued by Count Dracula for generations, and confronts not only the count but also Frankenstein's monster and a werewolf.
Stephen Sommers directed and wrote the screenplay, and produced with Bob Ducsay. The film followed The Mummy Returns (2001) in Sommers's filmography and preceded G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (2009). Hugh Jackman plays Van Helsing, Kate Beckinsale plays Anna Valerious and Richard Roxburgh plays Count Vladislaus Dracula. The cast also includes David Wenham as Carl, Shuler Hensley as Frankenstein's Monster and Josie Maran as Marishka. It was a large production with a budget of 160 million dollars, earning 300 million dollars worldwide, roughly doubling its cost before marketing. On IMDb it rates 6.1 out of 10 from 306,000 votes, and on TMDB 6.4 out of 10 from 6,859 votes. A film critics' rating of 4.3 out of 10 from 225 reviews is markedly lower than both audience scores.
What's left behind the scenes
- As early as 1994, this project was conceived as a sequel to the original film based on Bram Stoker’s novel 'Dracula,' with Anthony Hopkins slated to play the lead role. However, much has changed since then, and the original script has been altered beyond recognition.
- Hugh Jackman filmed two movies simultaneously: 'X2: X-Men United' and 'Van Helsing'. 'Van Helsing' was actually prioritized. It’s no coincidence that filming for one of the scenes in 'X2: X-Men United' was moved to a time when Hugh had a day off on the set of 'Van Helsing'. Nevertheless, 'Van Helsing' was released a year later worldwide.
- The role of Karl was, according to rumors, supposed to go to Paul Hogan. But ultimately, David Wenham was chosen for the part.
- Hugh Jackman was given a substantial head of hair specifically for playing the role of Van Helsing.
- The original Van Helsing character from 'Dracula' had his name changed from Abraham to Gabriel due to circumstances.
- Stephen Sommers wanted to cast Kate Beckinsale as Anna, but thought the character was too similar to her role in 'Underworld,' which was being filmed simultaneously. However, the actress's agent asked the director to simply send her the script, and Beckinsale immediately agreed to the role.
- The role of Igor was specifically written for a close friend of the director, Kevin J. O'Connor.
- The beginning of the film coincides with the beginning of Bride of Frankenstein (1935), where a mill also burns down, and Frankenstein's creation is saved in a well.
- 1:37:20 – the moment before the cast iron bars of the grate are moved apart. Van Helsing, turning around, bumps one of the bars with his shoulder, and it noticeably sways in the frame.
- The film is based on two novels: “Dracula” (1897) by Bram Stoker and “Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus” (1818) by Mary Shelley.
- During filming, tragic news arrived about the death of the director Steven Sommers’ father. Therefore, the inscription “In memory of my Dad” in the end credits is quite understandable.
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