No stranger to the world of vampire shows, “True Blood” alum Kelly Overton has been cast as the lead vampire-hunting heroine in the new 13-episode Syfy series, “Van Helsing.”
After the less-than-remarkable take on Dracula's old foe in 2004's “Van Helsing” movie starring Hugh Jackman and Kate Beckinsale, the new production is giving the name a gender-bending makeover. The new Van Helsing will actually be Vanessa Helsing, the daughter of the original character written by Bram Stoker.
Vanessa Helsing will reportedly be resurrected, or reawakened from a supernatural slumber, to find herself in a world where vampires have taken over.
She will be joined in her fight against the blood suckers by a team of warriors who are humanity's only hope.
Jonathan Scarfe will play Axel, who rises to his duty as a Marine sworn to protect those under his care despite years of isolation and vampire attacks.
Christopher Heyerdahl will play a survivor of the vampire Rising named Sam who is described as a man “who relies on his strength and observational skills to stay alive.”
David Cubitt will play another survivor with an angry, hot-blooded demeanor fueled by his own fears and suspicions.
The antagonist to this group of warriors and survivors is Dimitri, a vampire who was turned just before the Rising and has become the leader of the vampires. Paul Johansson will be stepping in for this role.
Also joining the cast is Tim Guinee as Ted, a vampire foot soldier who is concealing a past of tragedy. He is also one of the first foes Vanessa Helsing will face in battle.
"Van Helsing" will begin production on Feb. 22. Taking the director's seat for some episodes will be Michael Nankin, Jason Priestley, David Frazee, Simon Barry and Amanda Tapping.
