FX has given a series order to Very Young Frankenstein, a new comedy based on the classic film by Mel Brooks. Following in the footsteps of one of the greatest comedies of all time seems particularly daunting, but I must admit, I’m curious to see if they’ve pulled it off.
Very Young Frankenstein has the blessing of Mel Brooks and comes from some of the team behind FX’s What We Do In the Shadows. Brooks will executive produce alongside Garrett Basch and Stefani Robinson, who will serve as writer and showrunner. Taika Waititi directed the pilot. Brooks’ producing partner Kevin Salter is also on board as an executive producer, as is original Young Frankenstein producer Michael Gruskoff.
The pilot was shot last year, starring Zach Galifianakis (The Hangover), Kumail Nanjiani (Silicon Valley), Dolly Wells (Inside Man), Spencer House (Tell Me Lies), Nikki Crawford (Cruel Intentions), and Carl Elwes (The Princess Bride). Details are pretty sparse, but given the title, you might expect it to be set before the events of the 1974 movie.
Nanjiani commented on the production several months ago, but didn’t offer too many details beyond having a good time. “Shooting that was really fun,” he said. “I’ve been friends with Zach for a very long time. I’ve been friends with Taika for a very long time. I’d never worked really with either of them. Well, I’d done a commercial with Taika, but I’d never worked with Zach. I opened for him on the road years and years ago. I love the original movie. I’m a fan of those guys. It was a really fun shoot.“
“Very Young Frankenstein blends inspiration from the fan-favorite movie with the inventive, irreverent spirit that has defined FX comedies over the years, making this a completely original take on the classic story,” said FX Entertainment president Nick Grad in a statement. “In the hands of FX veterans Stefani, Taika and Garrett, alongside the iconic Mel Brooks, we know that fans will have as much fun watching this series as we’re having making it.“
Young Frankenstein is one of the best comedies of all time, but it also pays loving tribute to the classic Universal Horror movies. The story follows Dr. Frederick Frankenstein—who insists it’s pronounced “Fronk-en-steen”—as he journeys to Transylvania after inheriting his grandfather’s castle. Once there, he finds himself drawn into his infamous ancestor Victor Frankenstein’s experiments, ultimately attempting to reanimate the dead alongside Igor (sorry, Eye-gore). Gene Wilder stars as Dr. Frankenstein and co-wrote the script with Brooks. The rest of the cast includes Peter Boyle as the Monster, Marty Feldman as Igor, Teri Garr as Inga, Cloris Leachman as Frau Blücher, and more. The late Gene Hackman also made a memorable appearance as the blind hermit.