'Bride of Frankenstein' reboot pulled from Universal's schedule

By Justin Kroll

Bride of Frankenstein is far from alive.

Universal Pictures has moved back pre-production efforts on its Bride of Frankenstein reboot as director Bill Condon continues to work on the script. The studio has also removed the film, which was slated for release on Feb. 14, 2019, from its schedule.

Production was set to start this February in London, but the studio and Condon have now decided to pause pre-production to ensure the script is in tip-top condition. Condon had been working on the script with David Koepp and sources say the script itself is in good shape but both Condon and Koepp feel more time was needed in reworking the story and vision that they both are aiming for.

“After thoughtful consideration, Universal Pictures and director Bill Condon have decided to postpone Bride of Frankenstein,” the studio said in a statement on Thursday. “None of us want to move too quickly to meet a release date when we know this special movie needs more time to come together. Bill is a director whose enormous talent has been proven time and again, and we all look forward to continuing to work on this film together.”

Javier Bardem is attached to star as Frankenstein’s monster and Angelina Jolie is in talks to play the title character. Sources say Bardem is committed to the role, but Jolie is still undecided. She is currently attached to reprise her role in the sequel to Maleficent, which is expected to begin production in early 2018 now that it’s tapped director Joachim Ronning.

Either way, pushing production now gives the studio and Condon time to tighten the script following The Mummy’s underwhelming performance at the domestic box office. The Tom Cruise film launched the studio’s Dark Universe series.

Deadline Hollywood first reported this news.