Claes Bang will play Dracula in the new BBC/Netflix series from Sherlock creators and previous Doctor Who collaborators Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss. The Danish actor has previously been seen in The Square, Bron/Broen and The Girl In The Spider’s Web.

Deadline broke the news, sharing this quote from Claes Bang himself:

“I am thrilled to be taking on the role of Dracula, especially when the script is in the hands of the incredible talents of Steven Moffat, Mark Gatiss and the team responsible for Sherlock. I’m so excited that I get to dig in to this iconic and super-interesting character. Yes he’s evil, but there’s also so much more to him, he’s charismatic, intelligent, witty and sexy. I realise that there’s a lot to live up to with all the amazing people that have played him over the years, but I feel so privileged, to be taking on this incredible character.”

BBC boss Piers Wenger said this:

“Hell has a new boss… and BBC One has an outstanding new leading man. To say we have lucked out with Claes would be to underestimate the supreme talents of Steven, Mark and the team at Hartswood and their knack for choosing the right actor to redefine an iconic role. Seriously exciting stuff.”

And this joint statement from Gatiss, Moffat and executive producer Sue Vertue was also shared:

“It was one of those moments – who else could it be than Claes. He has it all. Brilliant, gorgeous, charismatic, lethal. Tall, dark and gruesome all at once.”

The Beeb previously revealed that the series will consist of “Three feature length episodes [which] will re-introduce the world to Dracula, the vampire who made evil sexy. In Transylvania in 1897, the blood-drinking Count is drawing his plans against Victorian London. And be warned: the dead travel fast.”

As we hear more about the show, such as its release date, we’ll be sure to let you know.