Guillermo del Toro is currently developing his long-gestating adaptation of Frankenstein for Netflix, but up until recently, another take on Mary Shelley's classic tale was also in the works for the streamer, and this version looked set to shift focus to The Bride Victor Frankenstein creates for his Monster.
We first heard about the project last year, but a recent report indicated that the film had been shelved due to the Hollywood strikes and was being shopped elsewhere. However, World of Reel has shared a more positive update.
According to the site, Warner Bros. has now acquired The Bride. There's a chance this means the movie will get a theatrical release, but it will more likely wind up on the Max streaming service.
Maggie Gyllenhaal is set to direct after garnering acclaim for her debut feature, The Lost Daughter. Penelope Cruz is said to be on board to play the Bride of the title, while Christian Bale has reportedly signed on to play Frankenstein. Peter Saragaard is also part of the cast, but we don't have any details on his role. Could he be playing the Monster, perhaps?
We're not sure if this is being developed as a direct remake of the 1935 classic, but even if they stick to the basic premise, we'd say the story will undergo a few changes for a modern audience.
The original was helmed by James Whale, and was a direct sequel to 1931's Frankenstein. The plot focused on Henry Frankenstein's (Colin Clive) mentor Doctor Septimus Pretorius (Ernest Thesiger), who convinces Henry to assist him in creating a Bride for the Monster (Boris Karloff). Henry is wary of giving life to another potentially murderous creature, but is blackmailed and threatened by Dr. Pretorius and the monster, leading to the creation of the titular character (portrayed by Elsa Lanchester, who also appeared in the film as Mary Shelley).
"After recovering from injuries sustained in the mob attack upon himself and his creation, Dr. Frankenstein (Colin Clive) falls under the control of his former mentor, Dr. Pretorius (Ernest Thesiger), who insists the now-chastened doctor resume his experiments in creating new life. Meanwhile, the Monster (Boris Karloff) remains on the run from those who wish to destroy him without understanding that his intentions are generally good despite his lack of socialization and self-control."
What are your thoughts on The Bride and this starry cast? Drop us a comments down below.