Netflix shook the world of anime and gaming enthusiasts in 2017 with its release of “Castlevania.” This game-inspired anime, with roots in “Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse” and “Castlevania: Curse of Darkness,” garnered attention for its striking gothic visuals, intense violence, and a magnificent score that graced each episode. While the original show ended after its third season on a slightly controversial note due to its pacing, it’s clear that Netflix hasn’t run out of love for the series.
The sequel, Castlevania: Nocturne, is the fresh chapter everyone’s been talking about. But what should fans expect? And is there any hope for a second season?
Diving Deeper: What Castlevania: Nocturne Holds For Us
Set in the midst of the French Revolution, Castlevania: Nocturne introduces us to Richter Belmont. A descendant of Trevor and Sypha, our protagonists from the original series, Richter finds himself forming an unexpected alliance with a diverse group of characters. Their mission? To prevent the impending apocalypse, because, as we know, there’s never a calm day for a Belmont.
Fans will appreciate that the narrative pulls inspiration from two different games: Castlevania: Rondo of Blood and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. These titles had contrasting trajectories, with the latter initially being a financial disappointment only to later garner a cult following and status as a sleeper hit.
The Journey to Nocturne’s Release
Our first hint of this sequel came through Deadline on 16th April 2021, revealing the historical backdrop and a fresh roster of characters for this instalment. A year later, during Netflix’s 2022 Geeked Week, we got our first official title confirmation. Fast forward another year, and after the cast reveal in July 2023, Castlevania: Nocturne was announced to debut on Netflix on 28th September 2023.
I PRAY FOR YOU, RICHTER BELMONT. Witness the rise of our gaming icon and vampire hunter prodigy in the all-new Castlevania: Nocturne – premiering September 28, only on Netflix. pic.twitter.com/flCnkKlToX
— Castlevania: Nocturne (@Castlevania) July 27, 2023
Meet the New (and Maybe Familiar) Faces
There are some significant changes behind the curtains this time. Clive Bradley takes the writer’s helm, succeeding Warren Ellis, and Kevin Kolde, co-executive producer of the original series, steps in as the showrunner.
In terms of the on-screen talent, specifics remain tantalisingly elusive. We have confirmation that Sophie Skelton, known from Outlander, will portray Julia Belmont. However, the rest of the primary cast remains under wraps, adding to the series’ intrigue. And given the nature of gothic narratives and the theme of lineage in the story, there’s buzzing speculation that Richard Armitage and Alejandra Reynoso might grace the screen, perhaps in flashbacks or other creative twists.
Is Season 2 on the Horizon?
Considering the depth and breadth of the Castlevania universe, there’s ample material to continue the saga. The original Castlevania series earned its reputation as a standout anime offering on Netflix, setting the bar high for Nocturne. If the fan base embraces this sequel with the same zeal, there’s a good chance that Netflix could green-light a second season.
In summary, Castlevania: Nocturne is shaping up to be a worthy successor to its predecessor. Whether you’re new to the series or a die-hard fan, it promises a thrilling ride packed with lore, action, and suspense. Don’t miss its release on 28th September, exclusively on Netflix. If you haven’t already, you can subscribe to Netflix starting from £4.99 a month and also catch it on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream.
