Summary
Netflix's Castlevania: Nocturne, slated for release on September 28, 2023, marks the next installment of the franchise, offering a fresh narrative that unfolds in a distinct time and place compared to the preceding Castlevania animated series.
Set during the French Revolution in 1792, Castlevania: Nocturne depicts Richter Belmont's battle against the vampires who hold sway over society in France. Through its stunning visuals and fashion, the show transports viewers to revolutionary France, capturing the essence of the era. Taking place around 300 years after the original Castlevania, it delves into Richter Belmont's ancestral heritage and sheds light on the vampire cabal's influence spreading across Europe.
Netflix's Castlevania: Nocturne, set to premiere on September 28, 2023, marks the continuation of the franchise, with a fresh storyline and locale distinct from its predecessor. Serving as the second installment in an extensive franchise comprising an anime, over 30 video games, 47 music albums, and several manga adaptations, expectations run high for Netflix's Castlevania: Nocturne as it aims to meet the fans' lofty standards.
In contrast to the original series, Castlevania: Nocturne shifts focus to Richter Belmont, a member of the renowned vampire-hunting lineage. Alongside redesigned appearances, the preview also introduces beloved characters from the Castlevania: Rondo of Blood video game, including Maria Renard, Annette, and Erzsebet Báthory. Nevertheless, the new Netflix show distinguishes itself in terms of setting, deviating from Dracula's castle. Consequently, speculation arises regarding the time and place that Castlevania: Nocturne will unveil.
Castlevania: Nocturne Takes Place in 1792
During Geeked Week 2022, Netflix announced that Castlevania: Nocturne would be set in 1972 during the French Revolution. This is shown in the previews of the cartoon, where Richter Belmont battles against a secret ring of vampires who control French society as it undergoes a monarchy overhaul. Given the specific year, Castlevania: Nocturne is expected to incorporate the establishment of the French Republic on September 22, 1792, as a major historical event in its plot.
The visuals portrayed in Castlevania: Nocturne also contribute to an immersive depiction of revolutionary France. The buildings showcased in the previews exhibit the neoclassical style of architecture commonly seen during that time period. The characters don fashion from revolutionary France, such as ruffled jabot collars, double-breasted coats, and panniered court dresses. Although the human characters resemble commoners, the vampire costumes in Castlevania: Nocturne take more creative liberties, embracing the styles of the French aristocracy. With its engaging storyline and animation, the show creates a well-developed setting for Richter, Erzsebet, and the other characters to combat their adversaries.
Castlevania: Nocturne Is Set 300 Years After Castlevania
Netflix's Castlevania does not explicitly state the year in which it takes place. However, the animated show is based on the video game Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse, which is set in 1476 in Wallachia, a former region in southern Romania. This means that Castlevania: Nocturne is set approximately 300 years and 1,400 miles away from the original animated show. This change provides the new show with the opportunity to delve into Richter Belmont's connection to his family legacy. Additionally, the time gap allows Castlevania: Nocturne to explore how the vampire cabal regained its power and extended its influence across Europe.