Netflix is taking another shot at bringing the world of “Dungeons & Dragons” to live-action television. Its latest project, however, looks a lot different from the one that was previously announced.
The streaming service is developing “Ravenloft,” a new series based on one of the tabletop game’s most famous gothic settings. The project will center on Vampire Darklord Strahd von Zarovich. It’s expected to explore Zarovich’s transformation into one of the franchise’s best-known villains.
This new development comes with a significant change in Netflix’s plans. The streamer is no longer moving forward with its previously announced “Dungeons & Dragons” series, “The Forgotten Realms.”
Netflix Is Developing A Live-Action ‘Ravenloft’ Series
GettyNetflix is diving into one of the darker corners of the “D&D” universe. According to Deadline, “Ravenloft” is currently in development as a live-action series.
Hasbro Entertainment is involved in the adaptation, with writer John August attached to write and executive produce the project. Academy Award-winning filmmaker Alfonso Cuarón will also serve as an executive producer.
August has extensive experience with unusual fantasy tales. His credits include “Big Fish,” “Corpse Bride,” “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” and “Frankenweenie.” Cuarón, on the other hand, worked with Netflix on his acclaimed 2018 film “Roma.” The well-received project won him the Academy Award for Best Director.
Unlike many traditional “dungeons & Dragons” stories, “Ravenloft” will reportedly lean heavily into gothic horror. It is expected to mix fantasy, supernatural elements, and romance with darker, character-driven storytelling.
The focus of this tale will be Strahd von Zarovich, a vampire ruler most closely associated with Ravenloft. Over the years, he has become one of the tabletop franchise’s most recognizable villains. The Netflix project will explore his origins, including the events that transform him from a tragic figure into the popular, powerful Darklord.
Ravenloft itself has been part of “Dungeons & Dragons” for more than four decades. Tracy and Laura Hickman introduced the setting back in 1983. It eventually expanded into a larger collection of horror-themed worlds known as Domains of Dread.
D&D describes Ravenloft as one of its most iconic settings, and a world filled with dangerous Darklords and horror-driven adventures.
Netflix’s ‘Forgotten Realms’ Series Is No Longer Moving Forward
GettyThe streaming service has reportedly abandoned its previous attempt to create a live-action “Dungeons & Dragons” series. Netflix began developing ‘The Forgotten Realms’ back in 2025, bringing writer and showrunner Drew Cravello and producer Shawn Levy together. Levy is an executive producer on “Stranger Things.”
The project was named after the Forgotten Realms, one of the central settings in the “Dungeons & Dragons” universe. The setting has served as the home of numerous famous characters and stories, so it was an especially familiar choice for fans. The critically acclaimed 2023 film “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves” also drew from the Forgotten Realms setting.
The decision to abandon the project is a major shift in tone. The Forgotten Realms is closely associated with the high-fantasy adventures many typically think of when they hear “Dungeons & Dragons.” By comparison, Ravenloft is built around horror, supernatural threats, cursed lands, and characters trapped within the Domains of Dread.
‘Ravenloft’ Will Put One Of D&D’s Biggest Villains At The Center
GettyThe show’s choice of protagonist may be one of the biggest differences between “Ravenloft” and the typical fantasy adventure. Rather than following a group of heroes embarking on a quest, the developing series will focus heavily on how Strahd von Zarovich became a villain.
The character rules the land of Barovia and has remained closely associated with Ravenloft since the setting debuted in the 1980s. D&D itself describes the setting as one of the franchise’s most iconic settings.
There are still several major unanswered questions, however. No cast has been announced, and there is currently no confirmed production start or release date. Most importantly, “Ravenloft” remains in development, meaning Netflix has not yet publicly confirmed a full series order.
