Starz developing Dracula and new series from Spartacus creator

US cable network Starz is developing two series including a sci-fi series from Spartacus creator Steven DeKnight and a modern day remake of Dracula.

The Liberty Global-owned broadcaster is developing Incursion, from DeKnight, a sci-fi action thriller that follows a squad of soldiers fighting a war against a hostile alien race.

The company is also developing Vlad Dracula, from J.Michael Straczynski, who has worked on Thor and Underworld: Awakening, and The Ring and The Strangers producer Roy Lee. The reboot will mix the historical elements of the 15th Century Prince of Wallachia and the classic fictional Dracula story.

This comes after DeKnight and the network decided to end hit series Spartacus after its third season Spartacus: War of the Damned launches next year.

Carmi Zlotnik, managing director of Starz, said:  “Steven DeKnight, J. Michael Straczynski, Roy Lee and Rob Tapert are legendary talents, having created some of the most groundbreaking and iconic television series with incredibly passionate fan bases the world over.  We are thrilled to work with such sophisticated auteurs and producers as we grow the slate of unique Starz original series.”