U taps rookie helmer for 'Dracula' pic

Gary Shore is in early negotiations to make his feature directorial debut with Universal Pictures' "Dracula Year Zero." Pic is described as a mixture of vampire mythology that revolves around the true story of Vlad the Impaler and the possible origins of Dracula. Sam Worthington had long been attached to topline the film but his involvement is suspect now. Matt Sazama and Burk Sharpless wrote the latest draft of the script and Michael De Luca will produce through his Michael De Luca Prods. banner. Universal exec Kiska Higgs will oversee the project for the studio. Shore, who's best known for his short "The Draft," is repped by CAA and Anonymous Content, while ICM reps the writers. Contact Justin Kroll at justin.kroll@variety.com