Made in Limavady: Dracula Untold out soon

The new movie, Dracula Untold, mixes fact and fiction to describe how the historical Wallachian Prince, Vlad Tepes, would become the vampire Dracula.

A stunning new trailer provides a tantalising glimpse at what looks to be a fascinating, epic origins story. Eagle-eyed viewers are sure to recognise some of the iconic local beauty spots, such as O’Cahan’s Rock in Limavady, when the film hits the cinemas in October.

The Limavady area was treated to a Hollywood whirlwind last summer when Universal Studios pitched up at the Roe Valley Country Park.

Welsh actor Luke Evans, who plays the lead role, said: “By the end of the day we had a really impressive little audience watching, we couldn’t believe it”.

The actor, whose other roles include parts in the Hobbit and on of the Fast and the Furious films, described his gruelling day of filming at O’Cahans Rock: “I spent eight hours in the water filming, and to top it off they were spraying my face and hair with water.”

Director Gary Shore jokingly added that he was “perfectly fine in his waders and waterproof clothing.”

The Roe Valley Country Park and O’Cahans Rock proved to be the idyllic setting for the dark tale with its undeniable charm and unique scenery. Luke Evans was more than impressed by Limavady, branding it “absolutely gorgeous” and said he was “thrilled at how welcoming and excited people were” about the filming.

Other locations in Northern Ireland used for the new movie include Tollymore Forest Park in County Down; Leslie Hill in Antrim; Ulster History Park in Omagh; Mountstewart House in Newtownards; the Giants Causeway; Divis Mountain; and Wolfhill Quarry in Belfast.

Environment Minister Mark H Durkan said: “We have wonderful landscapes in Northern Ireland. We are enriched with attractive country parks. Roe Valley is just one example and films such as this provide a great opportunity to showcase our natural beauty both locally and on a world stage.”

Video courtesy of Universal.