What March 2026 film sees Frankenstein head to 1930s Chicago to ask a brilliant scientist for help creating a companion?

The March 2026 film you're thinking of is titled "The Bride!" This cinematic endeavor takes a fresh approach to the classic monster tale, reimagining the iconic characters and setting them against the vibrant backdrop of 1930s Chicago.

In this Maggie Gyllenhaal-directed film, Christian Bale portrays Frankenstein (Review)'s monster, often referred to as Frank. Seeking a companion to alleviate his profound loneliness, Frank journeys to Chicago to enlist the help of a brilliant scientist, Dr. Euphronius, played by Annette Bening. Together, they embark on the ambitious and perilous task of bringing a murdered woman back to life, who then becomes the titular Bride, portrayed by Jessie Buckley.

"The Bride!" draws inspiration from Mary Shelley's original 1818 novel "Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus (Review)" and the beloved 1935 film "Bride of Frankenstein." However, it is not a direct remake, but rather a unique interpretation that delves into the Bride's story with a focus on her independence and a more developed backstory. The film explores themes of romance, societal reactions to the extraordinary, and the potential for radical social change sparked by their existence. This modern take aims to give a voice to a character who, in previous adaptations, often had limited screen time and a less central role.