Dominic Cooper in talks to star in 'Dracula'

Dominic Cooper is in negotiations to star alongside The Hobbit's Luke Evans in the Universal Pictures movie, reports Variety.

Sarah Gadon - who appeared in David Cronenberg's most recent movies A Dangerous Method and Cosmopolis - is also reported to be in talks for the female lead.

Formerly titled Dracula Year Zero, the origins movie will mix mythology and history by telling the story of nobleman Prince Vlad - the inspiration for Bram Stoker's horror novel.

Michael De Luca (The Social Network, Moneyball) is producing the movie, which will be commercials directorGary Shore's first feature film.

Principal photography on Dracula is due to start later this year with a target release date of August 8, 2014.