After a 21-year wait, Van Helsing 2 marks the return of Hugh Jackman as monster hunter Gabriel Van Helsing. Universal officially released the first trailer in May 2025, teasing a much darker and more intense tone compared to the 2004 original
Budget & location: With over $180M reportedly invested, production was shot in Romania’s historic Bran Castle and Pinewood Studios—aiming for a gothic, industrial visual style
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Direction & creative team: Stephen Sommers returns as writer/producer alongside Ehren Kruger (Top Gun: Maverick). Direction is credited to David F. Sandberg (Lights Out, Annabelle: Creation)
The trailer sets a chilling atmosphere:
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Jackman’s Van Helsing battles werewolf packs in the Carpathians and faces a vampire cult capable of invoking a “blood storm.”
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There’s a powerful new antagonist dubbed “The First Blood”—rumored to be a vampiric version of Vlad the Impaler
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Ana de Armas joins the cast as a mysterious new figure (Lilith), suggesting potential romantic or morally ambiguous ties The score by Bear McCreary and moody cinematography enhance the misty horror of gothic forests and candlelit cathedrals
Hugh Jackman himself states:
“This isn’t the Van Helsing you remember. He’s older, haunted, and more dangerous. He’s not just fighting monsters—he’s fighting his past.”
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A darker tone: The film emphasizes gothic horror over pulpy action, aligning well with modern genre expectations
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Expanded universe: Teasers hint at potential monster-universe crossovers with Jekyll, Invisible Man, and Frankenstein’s Monster
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Jackman’s performance: Portraying a seasoned, haunted Van Helsing adds emotional depth and complexity
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High production design: Rotten-cardinal visuals with top-tier VFX and practical stunts promise a visceral experience
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Franchise hangover: The original (2004) received mixed reception—beloved by some, but criticized as chaotic and overly noisy . The sequel risks stumbling over the same concerns if balance isn’t achieved.
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Character clutter: A large ensemble of monsters and subplots could dilute hero focus, unless tightly managed
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Monster familiarity: Delivering fresh mythology is key—if the creatures feel derivative, nostalgia may not carry the sequel .
Rated Potential: 7.5 / 10
If Van Helsing 2 delivers on its darker tone, emotional maturity, and monster-varied worldbuilding, it could redefine the Van Helsing franchise for modern viewers. With Jackman at the helm and a creepier aesthetic, there's promise for a gripping monster-hunter saga.
But expectations are high: success will depend on balancing horror and action, character focus, and not repeating the mistakes of the 2004 original.
If you're drawn to gothic horror-action and mythology-rich cinema, keep an eye out for Van Helsing 2 when it premieres in late 2025—especially around Halloween. It's shaping up to be a captivating revival, a darker, wiser take on the legendary vampire slayer.
