Hotel Transylvania 5: Dracula, Mavis & Co. return – Plot and release date revealed
Unlike Part 4, there's a return to the big screen for The Haunting of Hotel Transylvania
Fans of "Hotel Transylvania" have something to look forward to: Dracula, Mavis, and the gang are back with a fifth movie! Unlike the previous film, which was released on Prime Video in 2022, the new installment of the popular animated series titled "The Haunting of Hotel Transylvania" will be back on the big screen. The release date has already been set. However, fans will have to wait a little longer: "Hotel Transylvania 5" will hit theaters on October 8, 2027, as reported by Deadline.
The "Hotel Transylvania" films are about Dracula and other monsters who find refuge in the eponymous hotel. There, they can relax and unwind – without worrying that humans will get too close. Details about the plot of the latest adventure are already available. The story of "Hotel Transylvania 5" is described as follows:
"Dracula has happily settled into retirement while his daughter, Mavis, takes the reins of the legendary monster hotel. But when a series of spooky and unexplained happenings sends chills through the resort, the Drac Pack embarks on its most spellbinding adventure yet: uncovering the mystery behind 'The Haunting of Hotel Transylvania'."
The directors for "Hotel Transylvania 5" have also been confirmed: Jennifer Kluska and Alan Hawkins will helm the film. Lawrence Jonas is serving as producer, while Genndy Tartakovsky and Michelle Murdocca are on board as executive producers.
Lovable monsters
One of the defining features of this animated film series is that it offers a humorous reinterpretation of classic monsters who have appeared on the big screen countless times. Famous horror characters such as the mummy, the werewolf, the vampire, and Frankenstein's monster are transformed here into family-friendly, funny, and likable heroes. Kristine Belson and Damien de Froberville, presidents of Sony Pictures Animation, also emphasize the endearing, monstrous aspect of the "Hotel Transylvania" franchise. They are quoted by Deadline as follows:
"From the beginning, Hotel Transylvania has invited audiences into a world where monsters feel like family. These films have been a cornerstone of Sony Animation's storytelling identity, blending a unique visual style with heartfelt, character-driven comedy. With this next installment, we're honoring that legacy of heart and humor while delivering the unexpected surprises audiences love."
Hotel Transylvania: A consistent box office hit – with one exception
The animated film series enjoys great popularity – and consistently brings in substantial box office revenue. The first film was released in 2012 and grossed $358 million worldwide. The 2015 sequel managed to surpass that figure, grossing $474 million. The most successful installment at the box office to date was "Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation." In total, the third adventure grossed $528 million worldwide in 2018.
Who knows – maybe the follow-up, "Hotel Transylvania: Transformania," would have topped that in 2021. However, the COVID-19 pandemic got in the way of the fourth installment. As a result, it didn't get the originally planned theatrical release but was instead released on Prime Video in January 2022. Another difference from the previous films: In the fourth installment, the protagonist Dracula was no longer voiced by comedy star Adam Sandler, as he had been before. The actor was unavailable due to scheduling conflicts. As a result, Brian Hull took over the voice acting for the film. It remains to be seen what will happen with the fifth installment. Either way, it will be interesting to see how "Hotel Transylvania 5" performs at the box office when the franchise makes its theatrical comeback next year.
