Netflix is developing a live-action Dungeons & Dragons series titled Ravenloft based on the gothic-horror campaign setting, the company confirmed today [1, 2, 3]. The show will explore the origin story of Strahd von Zarovich, the vampire Darklord and one of the most iconic villains in the Ravenloft setting [2, 3].
The series is created and written by John August and executive produced by Alfonso Cuarón, John August, Hasbro Entertainment, Gabriel Marano, Richard Schwartz, and Gaby Rodriguez [1, 2, 3]. Ravenloft originally debuted as a Dungeons & Dragons campaign setting in 1983 and is known for its gothic horror themes focusing on cursed lands and tragic monsters, departing from traditional high fantasy heroics [1].
Strahd’s backstory involves a dark pact for immortality, fratricide, and a doomed love that ends in suicide, painting him as a tragic and obsessive figure. Variety described the character as moving from a tragic antihero to one of D&D’s most notorious villains through themes of power, love, and undead transformation [3].
The series aims to tell flexible stories spanning gothic horror, cursed folklore, and nightmares within the Domains of Dread, the core locales of Ravenloft’s world [1]. Netflix positioned Ravenloft as the successor to their canceled live-action Dungeons & Dragons series The Forgotten Realms, shifting the focus toward darker, more atmospheric storytelling [1, 2].
The announcement comes as Wizards of the Coast recently released the Ravenloft: The Horrors Within expansion for Dungeons & Dragons in April 2026, signaling renewed interest in the setting among fans [3]. Earlier D&D-related media milestones include the 2023 release of the Baldur’s Gate 3 game and the showcasing of the Dungeons & Dragons: Warlock game at Gamescom 2026 featuring Tricia Helfer and Maggie Robertson [1, 3].
Meanwhile, uncertainty remains around the sequel to the Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves film. Paramount passed on the follow-up despite having a script, citing financial reasons [1, 3].
Production details and a release date for the Ravenloft series have not yet been announced.
