Frankenstein's Back: Two Big Movies on the Way

Two major movies based on Mary Shelley's Frankenstein are set to hit screens soon. This is big news, as it's been a while since the character got much love on the big screen. The first movie, directed by Guillermo del Toro, will be on Netflix in November. It stars Mia Goth and Oscar Isaac. The second movie, "The Bride, " is directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal. It will hit theaters in March 2026. It was originally set for a September 2025 release, but it was pushed back. Jessie Buckley and Christian Bale are set to play the undead couple. The idea of two movies about the same topic coming out at the same time is not new. In the late 1980s, two movies based on the same French novel about sexual politics were released. The 1990s saw multiple pairs of movies about volcanoes, asteroids, and exotic dancers. In 2012, two movies about Snow White were released. This trend shows that when a story captures the public's imagination, it can lead to multiple adaptations. The Frankenstein character has a rich history in cinema. In the 1930s, Universal Pictures made several monster movies featuring the character. However, more recent attempts to bring Frankenstein to the screen have not been successful. Movies like "Mary Shelley's Frankenstein" and "Victor Frankenstein" were criticized by both critics and audiences. There was also a planned Dark Universe series by Universal, but it was canceled after a disappointing performance by "The Mummy. " So, why are Netflix and Warner Bros. betting on these new Frankenstein movies? The answer lies in the directors. Guillermo del Toro is known for his unique vision and has directed successful films like "The Shape of Water" and "Crimson Peak. " Maggie Gyllenhaal, who directed the acclaimed "The Lost Daughter, " is also known for her distinctive style. Both directors have a proven track record, which gives these new Frankenstein movies a better chance of success. Despite sharing the same source material, the two movies are likely to be very different. Shawn Robbins, Fandango's director of movie analytics, points out that both directors have unique visions. This means that while the movies will inevitably be compared, they will likely offer different takes on the Frankenstein story. This could lead to a more interesting and varied viewing experience for audiences.