Jonathan Bailey to Narrate New Dracula Audible Original Alongside an All-Star Cast

One of our perennial Q+ faves, Jonathan Bailey, is about to sink his teeth into another iconic role. The Heartstopper and Wicked star has been announced as the narrator—and the voice of Count Dracula—in a brand-new Audible Original adaptation of Bram Stoker’s legendary gothic novel.

Set to premiere on October 1, the immersive Audible audio production reimagines Dracula as a psychological thriller, bringing together an impressive ensemble cast to breathe new life into one of horror’s most enduring stories.

Joining Bailey are Louis Partridge as Jonathan Harker, Ella Purnell as Mina, Aimee Lou Wood as Lucy, David Jonsson as Dr. Seward, Lesley Manville as Mrs. Westenra, and Maggie Gyllenhaal as Professor Van Helsing. Rather than simply retelling the familiar vampire tale, this adaptation follows Mina as she pieces together Jonathan’s disappearance through letters, journals, and other documents, only to realize that the same terrifying force stalking him is now coming for her.

“This is what Audible does best, crafting immersive audio experiences that transport listeners into the heart of the story,” said Aurelie de Troyer, Head of Audible Content, International. “When Dracula whispers in your ear, when you hear his footsteps in the dark but see no reflection, that’s when you understand why we’re the home for this story. Our production elevates the psychological thriller at Dracula’s core, with the battle between Mina and Dracula as the heart of it all.”

The production is directed by Mary Lambert and features an original score by Ilan Eshkeri. Audible is also assembling international casts for French, German, Italian, Castilian Spanish, and Latin American Spanish editions, making this one of the platform’s most ambitious global productions to date.

“With director Mary Lambert at the helm and a haunting score by Ilan Eshkeri, we’re bringing this ambitious production to life just in time for Halloween,” de Troyer added.

For LGBTQ+ audiences, Bailey’s involvement is yet another reminder of the remarkable moment he’s having. Over the past few years, the openly gay actor has become one of Hollywood’s brightest leading men while continuing to champion queer visibility both on and off screen. Whether he’s making us cry in Fellow Travelers, stealing scenes in Wicked, supporting LGBTQ+ youth through The Shameless Fund, or preparing to take on Stephen Sondheim’s Sunday in the Park with George next summer, Bailey continues to balance blockbuster success with projects and initiatives that reflect both his versatility and his values. Lending his voice to one of literature’s most legendary villains feels like another fascinating addition to that growing résumé.

The announcement also creates a fun full-circle moment for Wicked fans. Earlier this year, Bailey’s co-star Cynthia Erivo took on Bram Stoker’s classic herself in a critically acclaimed one-woman stage adaptation, portraying all 23 characters during its West End run. Now, Bailey gets the chance to leave his own mark on the same iconic story, albeit in a completely different medium, making this another inventive reinterpretation of one of horror’s most enduring classics.

Dracula joins Audible’s growing collection of literary adaptations, which already includes titles such as 1984 and Pride and Prejudice. The new Dracula Audible Original premieres on October 1 and is available to preorder now—just in time for spooky season.

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Featured Image: Image Courtesy of Audible.