Universal Pictures' upcoming re-make of Dracula, is to be shot almost entirely in Northern Ireland, with the upcoming movie becoming the latest title to take up the scenic backdrop of Ulster as it's setting. Pre-production on the film is due to begin in Belfast immediately.

The new Dracula re-telling is being directed by Gary Shore and produced by Michael De Luca, with Luke Evans, Dominic Cooper and Sarah Gadon all due to take up still unspecified roles. Filming is due to get underway in August this year, with a schedule filming time of three months lined up. The film's production base is Belfast with filming due to take place in various other locations across Northern Ireland as well as the capital.

The announcement that the film is due to be shot around Northern Ireland was made today (May 20) by Northern Ireland’s First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness. With the announcement, Robinson said; "This is fantastic news for the local film industry which further cements Northern Ireland's reputation as a world-class production location. This is the second time that Universal Pictures has confirmed the filming of a major production in Northern Ireland and today’s announcement will deliver an important economic boost through job creation and investment."

Mr McGuinness added: "The film industry is an important sector for our economy and we offer an exceptionally competitive location for film and television production projects."

Northern Ireland is currently the main setting for the hit HBO series Game of Thrones, and over the years Belfast and it's surrounding areas have seen a number of films and TV shows being shot there.

Dominic Cooper
It is unknown whether Dominic Cooper will be playing Dracula or Van Helsing