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Netflix’s lineup of classic films is constantly evolving, but “Bram Stoker’s Dracula” remains a standout gem. This Gothic horror film, hailed as one of the finest vampire movies ever, was directed by Francis Ford Coppola. The 1992 release features an ensemble cast including Gary Oldman, Anthony Hopkins, Winona Ryder, and Keanu Reeves. While the film diverges from the original 1897 novel by adding a storyline about Mina Harker, played by Ryder, as the reincarnation of Dracula’s former wife, its lavish production design and powerful performances—particularly by Oldman as Dracula and Hopkins as Van Helsing—are noteworthy.
Columbia Pictures
Keanu Reeves, now a major star, was considered the weak link in “Bram Stoker’s Dracula” at the time of its release. His portrayal of the Englishman Jonathan Harker was criticized for lacking depth. Total Film remarked on his struggle to maintain his character’s English demeanor, portraying him as awkward and uncomfortable. Similarly, AskMen pointed out the disparity in talent when placed alongside heavyweights like Oldman and Hopkins, noting Reeves’ limited range and unconvincing accent.
Despite Reeves’ criticized performance, “Bram Stoker’s Dracula” is celebrated for its extravagant style. However, Reeves’ role is often not remembered as a highlight of the film.
More than 30 years later, an amusing anecdote from the set of “Bram Stoker’s Dracula” persists between co-stars Winona Ryder and Keanu Reeves. During a 2018 press tour for their romantic comedy “Destination Wedding,” Ryder revealed a quirky possibility: the two might be legally married. During a wedding scene in the 1992 film, director Coppola employed a real Romanian priest, and Ryder quipped to Entertainment Weekly that this might mean they are actually wed. Reeves, upon being reminded, humorously agreed, “Oh my gosh, we’re married.”
This playful notion continues to amuse them. As reported by Variety, Ryder mentioned on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast that they refer to each other as husband and wife in texts. She explained, “We always say who it is, even though it says it on the text. So like on his birthday, I go: ‘Happy birthday, my husband.’ And then he’s like, ‘Hey, my wife, I love you. KR 57.’” This ongoing jest has provided ongoing entertainment for both the actors and their fans, underscoring a unique bond formed during their time on the film.
One anecdote continues to amuse from the set of Bram Stoker’s Dracula
Columbia Pictures
After more than three decades, one anecdote from the set of “Bram Stoker’s Dracula” continues to bear fruit for Winona Ryder and Keanu Reeves. In a 2018 press tour for romcom “Destination Wedding,” in which Ryder and Reeves starred, Ryder brought up for the first time that she and Reeves may be husband and wife for real. There is a scene in “Bram Stoker’s Dracula” in which the pair get married, and it turns out that Francis Ford Coppola brought in a real Romanian priest to do the job. “We shot the master and he did the whole thing. So I think we’re married,” Ryder told Entertainment Weekly. Though Reeves required some reminding, he went with the gag, concluding, “Oh my gosh, we’re married.”
The pair continue to delight in this. According to Variety, on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast, Ryder said she and Reeves call each other husband and wife in text messages. She explained, “We always say who it is, even though it says it on the text. So like on his birthday I go: ‘Happy birthday, my husband.’ And then he’s like, ‘Hey, my wife, I love you. KR 57.’ Like on each birthday he’s like ‘KR 57’ or whatever his age is. He’s always done that.” While the duo weren’t exactly lauded for their contributions to “Bram Stoker’s Dracula,” Ryder clearly thinks working with Reeves is special, and their “marriage” has continued to entertain both them and us for years.
