Meet The Cast Of The Little Vampire (2000)
What makes a children's film truly memorable? It's the delicate balance of whimsy, adventure, and just a touch of spooky fun.The Little Vampire, in its various incarnations, has managed to capture this magic, resonating with audiences for over two decades.
The original 2000 film, directed by Uli Edel, introduced us to Tony, a lonely boy seeking adventure, and Rudolph, the vampire child who provides it in spades. Their unlikely friendship, forged in the shadows of a creepy old cemetery and fueled by a shared thirst for excitement (though of different kinds), forms the heart of the story. Nell Minow of Common Sense Media noted the film's darkness, cautioning that it "may frighten some kids," as Lisa Alspector's December 28, 2010, review in the Chicago Reader highlighted the "vampire cows" providing both comic relief and scares. This blend of light and dark, humor and genuine peril, contributes to the film's lasting appeal.
| Name | Role | Personal Info | Career Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jonathan Lipnicki | Tony Thompson | Born October 22, 1990, in Westlake Village, California | Jerry Maguire, Stuart Little, The Little Vampire |
| Rollo Weeks | Rudolph Sackville-Bagg | Born March 20, 1987, in Chichester, West Sussex, England | The Little Vampire, The Hole, Girl with a Pearl Earring |
| Richard E. Grant | Frederick Sackville-Bagg | Born May 5, 1957, in Mbabane, Swaziland | Withnail & I, Gosford Park, Can You Ever Forgive Me? |
| Jim Carter | Rookery | Born 19 August 1948 Harrogate, West Riding of Yorkshire, England | Downtown Abbey, Shakespeare in Love, My Week with Marilyn |
| Alice Krige | Anna Sackville-Bagg | Born 28 June 1954 Upington, Cape Province, Union of South Africa | Chariots of Fire, Star Trek: First Contact, Silent Hill |
IMDb Page for The Little Vampire (2000)
The narrative centers around Tony's relocation to Scotland, a strange new land filled with even stranger inhabitants. He soon discovers that the local legends of vampires are true, encountering Rudolph and his family, who are desperately searching for a way to become human again. Their quest for the legendary "Vampires' Amulet" intertwines with Tony's own yearning for belonging and purpose, creating a compelling storyline that resonates with themes of friendship, acceptance, and the courage to embrace the unusual.
Beyond the core duo, the film boasts a talented supporting cast, including Richard E. Grant and Alice Krige as Rudolph's parents, lending gravitas and emotional depth to the vampire family's plight. Jim Carter brings his unique brand of quirky charm to the role of Rookery, the groundskeeper with a few secrets of his own. The interplay between these characters adds layers of humor and suspense, enriching the overall viewing experience.
The film's success spawned a 13-part television series, further expanding the world of The Little Vampire and introducing new characters. Iain De Caestecker and Nigel McAshton joined the cast, continuing the legacy of the quirky vampire adventures. While details on specific plot points of the series can be elusive, its existence speaks to the enduring popularity of the source material, Angela Sommer-Bodenburg's series of children's books.
In 2017, The Little Vampire 3D brought the story to a new generation, utilizing modern animation techniques to reimagine the classic tale. Directed by Richard Claus and Karsten Kiilerich, this version featured Rasmus Hardiker, Amy Saville, Jim Carter, and Joseph Kloska among its voice cast, offering a fresh perspective on the beloved characters. While some purists may prefer the charm of the original, the 3D adaptation provides a visually stunning update for younger viewers.
Whether you experienced the original film in 2000, followed the television series, or discovered the story through the 2017 3D rendition, The Little Vampire offers a timeless blend of adventure, humor, and heart. It's a reminder that friendship can be found in the most unexpected places, and that sometimes, the things that scare us the most can also become our greatest allies.
From the quirky humor of vampire cows to the genuine emotional resonance of Rudolph and Tony's bond, The Little Vampire has carved a unique place in children's entertainment. Its enduring appeal speaks to the power of storytelling that embraces both the light and the dark, offering a world where even vampires can find friendship and belonging.
