Oscar Isaac's Frankenstein vs Christian Bale's The Bride: Release dates and what to expect from movie adaptations of Mary Shelley's novel

Mary Shelley's classic monster tale, 'Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus', is getting a fresh modern take with two new movies releasing in cinemas. While some of you might remember Colin Clive's 1931 horror-drama which was the first cinematic adaptation of the novel, these new movies - Frankenstein and The Bride - claim to tell the same story with different points of view. Although the movies are releasing on different dates, let's catch some details about how each one can influence the audiences in theatres.

Frankenstein and The Bride! release dates

The Guillermo del Toro directorial Frankenstein will be making a short theatrical release in select cinemas on October 17, before dropping on Netflix on November 7, 2025. Frankenstein has an ensemble cast including Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, Mia Goth, Felix Kammerer, Lars Mikkelsen, David Bradley, Charles Dance, Christoph Waltz, and Lauren Collins in pivotal roles. The gothic sci-fi had its world premiere at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival (VIFF) back in August.

Meanwhile, the Maggie Gyllenhaal directorial, The Bride, will be coming to cinemas next year on March 6, 2026. The Bride also has an ensemble cast including Jessie Buckley, Christian Bale, Peter Sarsgaard, Annette Bening, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Penélope Cruz in pivotal roles. The Bride promises to reimagine the depressed Frankenstein during 1930s Chicago.

What to expect from the Frankenstein movie

Unlike the typical book adaptations, this movie promises to explore more of Frankenstein's monstrous creation than its behaviour. The Oscar Isaac-starrer will focus more on Frankenstein's sufferings and his deep-rooted desires for death. Frankenstein will offer more of the dramatic emotional side of the creator and creation, instead of the horror elements mentioned in the book.

This new version of Frankenstein's tone is heavy, dealing with complex themes of ambition, scientific hubris, and the painful consequences of playing God, compared to the 1931 flick. While there are some spooky elements and jump-scare moments, fans must not expect it to be the typical monster movie.

What to expect from The Bride! movie

This movie shifts its entire storyline to Frankenstein's creation of the bride and will mostly explore the romantic connection between the two, instead of the spooky horror elements. The thriller drama is set in the 1930s Chicago, which claims to provide a distinct aesthetic and historical backdrop for the narrative. The Bride will also focus on the societal responses to the creation of the bride and the concept of radical social change.

Maggie Gyllenhaal has taken the feminist side to portray the bride's story which is the first of its kind in a Frankenstein movie. The movie is expected to explore the dark romance and themes of identity crisis as their love sparks a spree of murder and possession, drawing police interest in the story.

Frankenstein vs The Bride!

If you are a fan of classic monster stories with some fantasy drama, then Oscar Isaac's Frankenstein is the one for you. It promises to be more faithful to Mary Shelley's original novel and her story.

Meanwhile, The Bride! takes a different approach to the storyline. If you are more into genre-blending movies, then Jessie Buckley's movie might be more appealing to you. The Bride! has a more modern and rebellious take on the story, focusing on the romance and societal rebellion of its characters.

FAQs:

Q. When will Oscar Isaac's Frankenstein release?

A. Guillermo del Toro's directorial Frankenstein, starring Oscar Isaac, is releasing in theatres on October 17, and will drop on Netflix on November 7, 2025.

Q. When will Christian Bale's The Bride! release?

A. Maggie Gyllenhaal's directorial The Birde! is releasing next year on March 6, 2026.

Q. Are Frankenstein and The Bride! adapted from a novel?

A. Yes, both Oscar Isaac's Frankenstein and Jessie Buckley's The Bride! are adapted from Mary Shelley's novel Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus.