A new female ‘Van Helsing’ series from Syfy where vampires rule the world

Watch out zombies, vampires are back. And the only person who can save the day is ... “Vanessa Helsing.”

Syfy has acquired a 13-episode “Van Helsing” series with writer Neil LaBute set as show runner, Hero Complex has confirmed. The news was first reported by the Hollywood Reporter.

The new science fiction series will focus on Vanessa Helsing, who is resurrected five years in the future to a world ruled by vampires. The next in a lineage of warriors, Helsing discovers she has a unique power over the vampires and is humanity’s only hope to lead them into taking back what has been lost.

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“‘Van Helsing’ reimagines a classic story in a compelling new way, featuring a bold and complex heroine,” said Chris Regina, Syfy’s senior vp program strategy to THR.

The fact that the vampires have already “won” already sets the series apart from existing vampire shows. The other is that it will focus on a gender-swapped titular hero.

Introduced in the 1897 novel “Dracula,” Van Helsing is professor Abraham Van Helsing, a dutch doctor who is called upon for his expertise with obscure diseases. The character is best known as a vampire/monster hunter and Count Dracula’s nemesis. Recent incarnations of the character include the 2004 film “Van Helsing” and TV’s “Penny Dreadful” in 2014.

“‘Van Helsing’ represents a new mythology in sci-fi by challenging traditional vampire rules,” said Chad Oakes, co-chairman of Nomadic Pictures, which will be producing the series. “The series is unique in exploring a world completely dominated by vampires, while the human characters have to learn the importance of working together to ensure their survival.”

No details yet on why or how the Helsing from the new series will be resurrected, nor what led to the vampires ruling the world. But any series involving one girl in all the world to be destined to lead the fight against the vampires (the demons and the forces of darkness) has our interest piqued.

LaBute is also set to executive produce with Simon Barry, Evan Tyler, Dave Brown, Daniel March and Oakes and Mike Frisley for Nomadic Pictures.

Production on the first season of “Van Helsing” will begin in January for a fall 2016 series premiere.

Twitter: @tracycbrown