Jonathan Bailey as Dracula: Mary Lambert talks casting the ‘Sexiest Man Alive’ as vampire

Mary Lambert, known for her work on horror films like Pet Sematary and her involvement with Madonna's "Like a Prayer" video, has taken on the role of adapting Bram Stoker's Dracula into an Audible Original production. Her choice to cast Jonathan Bailey, known as the "People's Sexiest Man Alive" of 2025, as Dracula was strategic, as he possesses not only physical attractiveness but also charm and humanity.

Lambert believes that Bailey's personality will captivate the audience, even though they won't see his full transformation into the mythical vampire on screen.

Directing an audio drama presented Lambert with visual challenges, as she is accustomed to creating visual paintings. However, she appreciated the opportunity to leave the audience's imagination to fill in the visual details. With the added benefit of multiple character perspectives in Dracula, Lambert found the script easier to visualize and adapt. The introduction of female characters with more agency and agency in the horror genre has also contributed to a more empowering and authentic portrayal of the story.