For more than a hundred years, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein has been a standard of the horror canon. A fresh take on the legendary monster is on the way with Focus Features’ next feature, Lisa Frankenstein. Now we know that production for Lisa Frankenstein has officially begun, all thanks to actor Kathryn Newton. Newton informed her followers of the good news through Instagram, where she also provided an exclusive glimpse at “Day 1” on set. The starlet shared two photos. The production chair and one of the official film slates for the project. The film’s logo, which features a neon pink Lisa Frankenstein, is shown on both the slate and the chair. The bold typeface also calls to mind the emblems of vintage Universal Monsters movies.
This does not reveal any new information regarding the plot, but it may provide some insight into the film’s general mood. Author Diablo Cody has worked in the horror genre before; her picture Jennifer’s Body is considered a modern cult classic. Like Cody’s other modern great coming-of-age drama, Juno, that one was soaked in gratifying horror tropes, but it also had a keen comedy wit. There’s a chance that Lisa Frankenstein is also a terrifying story. Zelda Williams, a well-known actress, will make her directing debut with this film. In the Lisa Frankenstein movie, an “unpopular high schooler unintentionally re-animates a gorgeous Victorian corpse after a lightning storm and tries to reconstruct him into the man of her dreams using the broken tanning bed in her garage,” according to the narrative summary.
Though those familiar with the original Frankenstein tale might be able to guess what happens next, it will be exciting to see what new elements this adaptation brings to the table. This monster tale has been told countless times, from the classic 1931 Universal picture and its masterful sequel Bride of Frankenstein to the contemporary I, Frankenstein. However, Cody’s previous work and the premise suggest that Lisa Frankenstein will take a horror comedic approach.
And if that’s the case, then the idea of making an ideal partner out of a malfunctioning tanning bed is bound to lead to some funny situations and a fresh spin on an old tale. The two main actors in this film are the only positive aspects of the whole production. This Frankenstein adaption stars both Newton and Cole Sprouse, who have both been in undervalued horror treasures such as Paranormal Activity 4 and Freaky.
The actor has become well-known because of his roles in popular television shows like The Suite Life of Zack & Cody and Riverdale (which has explored the horror genre). Given the film’s premise and genre, it should be thrilling to witness these two young talents together.
There is no official word on when we can expect to see Lisa Frankenstein in theatres, but filming has only just begun so we should have some information soon.