Another Classic Monster Film Remake

Universal is eager to develop reboots of its library of classic monster titles, insiders in the development community said. It is developing a new version of “Creature from the Black Lagoon,” the 1954 Jack Arnold pic about a monstrous fish that a group of travelers encounters in the Amazon, and later this year it will release the Benicio Del Toro-toplined “The Wolf Man,” an update on George Waggner’s 1941 werewolf tale.

“Frankenstein” has been remade numerous times — Mary Shelley’s book sits in the public domain — but “Bride of Frankenstein” has had only one other go-round on the big screen: a 1985 version ("The Bride") at Columbia starring Sting and Jennifer Beals.

Now Universal and Imagine are breathing new life into “Bride of Frankenstein." The companies are in talks with Neil Burger to write and direct their long-stirring remake of the 1935 monster movie. Burger, who would pen the script with writing partner Dirk Wittenborn, most prominently wrote and helmed “The Illusionist.”

At one point, Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini had written an updated take that set the story in contemporary New York, with a young woman dying and being brought back to life. Apparently Burger's version will differ significantly, however, we're not sure if it he'll still set it in modern times or not. Considering "The Illusionist" was a great period piece, one might assume he'll go period again.

James Whale's original "Bride of Frankenstein," which again starred Boris Karloff as the monster and Elsa Lanchester as the bride, continued the story that began with 1931's "Frankenstein." A monster, on the run from an angry mob, has a series of adventures and also persuades Dr. Frankenstein to create a mate. The doctor is successful, but the bride (who is not a central character anyway) winds up rejecting the monster at the end of the movie.

More news to come! Catch ya' later!
Sources: Risky Biz Blog, Rope of Silicon, First Showing