September 9, 2026, 7:37 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Instead of a classic hero story, Netflix is likely focusing its next adventure on one of the most notorious villains from the “Dungeons & Dragons” universe. The planned live-action series centers on none other than Strahd von Zarovich, vampire lord and ruler of the dark realm of Ravenloft.
According to the industry magazine “Deadline,” the project is said to be an origin story. It will narrate Strahd’s journey from a tragic antihero to one of the most well-known villains in “Dungeons & Dragons.” The focus will be on his quest for power, his obsessions, his love life, and ultimately his transformation into the undead.
Netflix itself describes the project, according to “IGN,” as a “prestigious fantasy series where adventure meets Gothic horror and tragic romance.” Unlike many classic fantasy stories with changing hero figures, the plot will focus entirely on Strahd’s rise and fall.
Source is among the most well-known D&D worlds
The series is based on Ravenloft, one of the most popular settings from “Dungeons & Dragons.” The franchise’s game world stands out with its strong focus on Gothic horror, a dark atmosphere, and classic vampire stories, setting it apart from many other D&D settings.
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Originally, Ravenloft appeared in 1983 as an adventure for “Advanced Dungeons & Dragons” before becoming a standalone game world. To this day, it remains one of the most well-known and beloved settings in the role-playing series. Strahd von Zarovich has been considered one of the most influential figures in the entire “Dungeons & Dragons” universe for decades.
These creatives are working on the series
John August is responsible for the creative direction of the series. The screenwriter has been involved in films such as “Big Fish,” “Corpse Bride,” and “Frankenweenie.” In addition to writing the series, he also serves as an executive producer. Also on board is director Alfonso Cuarón as an executive producer. The Oscar winner is known for “Gravity” and “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.” Both have experience with fantastic and dark material. The project is being produced in collaboration with Hasbro Entertainment and Wizards of the Coast, the company behind “Dungeons & Dragons.”
It’s also interesting that Netflix was originally working on another “Dungeons & Dragons” series. This was to be based on the “Forgotten Realms,” another well-known fantasy world of the role-playing game. However, according to Deadline, the project by Shawn Levy and Drew Crevello is no longer being pursued.
There are currently no official details on the cast, number of episodes, or a possible start date.