" The idea of Jonathan Rhys Meyers as Dracula, all I could think of was, why haven’t they done this with him before? It’s such a genius idea. ‘Dracula’ has always been done as film, so it’s been an hour and 40 minutes. What we’re done is 10 hours of ‘Dracula,’ so you have a lot of freedom with all the different mythologies and nuances. "
- Victoria Smurfit

The speaker expresses admiration for casting Jonathan Rhys Meyers as Dracula, suggesting that his portrayal was a brilliant idea because it had not been explored before. The quote highlights the unique opportunity to present Dracula's complex character and mythology over an extended period of time, specifically in a series format rather than a traditional film. This allows for a deeper exploration of the various facets of Dracula’s personality and backstory that would be impossible to convey within the confines of a standard movie length.

The quote delves into the richness of storytelling when given ample screen time. By comparing the limitations of a typical one-and-a-half-hour film with the expansive narrative possibilities in a series, the speaker emphasizes how the longer format can bring out nuanced and intricate elements of Dracula’s character that might otherwise go unnoticed or unexplored. This approach not only respects the depth of the literary figure but also engages audiences by providing layers of complexity that keep them invested throughout multiple episodes.

Victoria Smurfit is an Irish actress known for her roles in various television series, including "Brave New World" and "The Tudors." In this context, she shares insights about the casting decision for Jonathan Rhys Meyers as Dracula, highlighting how it opens up new narrative possibilities. Her expertise as a performer gives weight to her observations on character portrayal and storytelling techniques in extended formats like series versus films.