After nearly two decades, Hugh Jackman is back as the legendary monster hunter in Van Helsing 2, the long-awaited sequel to the 2004 action-horror classic. Directed by Guillermo del Toro, the first trailer teases an epic continuation of Van Helsing’s story, filled with dark fantasy, gothic settings, and a new roster of terrifying creatures.
Plot Overview
Set years after the events of the original, Van Helsing 2 follows Gabriel Van Helsing as he is called out of retirement to face a growing supernatural threat. The Vatican has uncovered ancient texts warning of the rise of The Morrigan, a powerful Celtic goddess of death and war.
The trailer reveals that The Morrigan (played by Charlize Theron) seeks to unite the remnants of Dracula’s bloodline and unleash an army of undead creatures to plunge the world into eternal darkness.
Van Helsing must team up with Anna Valerious’s descendant, Evelyn Valerious (played by Anya Taylor-Joy), who is determined to avenge her family’s curse and protect humanity. Together, they travel across Europe and Ireland, uncovering forgotten myths, battling monstrous entities, and unearthing shocking truths about Van Helsing’s own past.
Trailer Highlights
- Gothic Atmosphere: The trailer opens with sweeping shots of crumbling castles, misty graveyards, and eerie forests, capturing the haunting aesthetic that fans loved in the original.
- Terrifying New Monsters: Quick glimpses of The Morrigan’s minions include shadowy wraiths, grotesque banshees, and vampiric wolves. A particularly chilling scene shows Van Helsing fighting a massive, winged creature atop a crumbling abbey.
- Hugh Jackman’s Return: Jackman is back in full monster-hunting form, sporting his iconic hat and crossbow, with a more rugged and battle-worn demeanor.
- Evelyn’s Role: Anya Taylor-Joy’s Evelyn is shown wielding both ancient magic and modern weapons, making her a formidable partner for Van Helsing.
- The Morrigan’s Power: Charlize Theron exudes menace as the film’s antagonist, delivering lines with icy authority while commanding legions of undead warriors in visually stunning battle sequences.
Themes and Tone
Van Helsing 2 explores themes of legacy, redemption, and the cyclical nature of evil. Van Helsing is no longer just a monster hunter—he’s a man haunted by his failures, grappling with his own humanity and the weight of his eternal battle against darkness.
The tone is darker and more mature than the original, combining del Toro’s signature blend of horror and fantasy with sweeping action sequences and emotional depth.
Cast and Crew
- Hugh Jackman returns as Gabriel Van Helsing, bringing the same charisma and physicality that defined the original role.
- Charlize Theron stars as The Morrigan, a goddess whose presence brings an otherworldly and terrifying gravitas to the story.
- Anya Taylor-Joy plays Evelyn Valerious, a brave and intelligent descendant of Van Helsing’s late ally.
- Guillermo del Toro, known for Pan’s Labyrinth and The Shape of Water, directs the sequel, ensuring a visually stunning and narratively rich experience.
- The screenplay is penned by David Koepp (Jurassic Park) and *Guillermo del Toro.
Visuals and Budget
With a reported $150 million budget, Van Helsing 2 boasts cutting-edge visual effects and breathtaking production design. The blend of practical effects and CGI brings The Morrigan’s dark magic and monstrous creations to life, while the gothic European landscapes provide a visually immersive setting.
Release Date
Van Helsing 2 is scheduled for release on November 14, 2025, just in time for the holiday blockbuster season.
Final Thoughts
The first trailer for Van Helsing 2 promises a thrilling and ambitious continuation of the beloved monster-hunting saga. With Hugh Jackman’s return, a powerhouse cast, and Guillermo del Toro’s visionary direction, the film is shaping up to be a darkly enchanting blend of action, horror, and fantasy.
Fans of the original and newcomers alike can prepare for a gripping adventure that dives deeper into Van Helsing’s legacy while introducing a chilling new mythology. In this battle against ancient evil, one thing is clear: the night is darker than ever, and Van Helsing is the world’s last hope.