FX Resurrects Mel Brooks Cult Universal Horror Parody as a Series
It’s alive—and still hilarious: Mel Brooks’s Young Frankenstein jolted 1974 by zapping Universal’s monsters with crackling parody, as Gene Wilder’s prim Dr Frederick Frankenstein inherits a Transylvanian estate and can’t resist firing up the family experiments all over again.
Mel Brooks built the gold standard for horror comedy with 1974's Young Frankenstein. Now FX is cracking open the lab doors for a fresh take that plays in the same sandbox, just earlier in the timeline.
FX is going back to the lab with 'Very Young Frankenstein'
FX has officially ordered 'Very Young Frankenstein' to series. The show has been percolating for about a year and, yes, Mel Brooks is involved. It is believed to unfold before the events of the 1974 film, so think prequel energy rather than a straight redo.
- Cast: Zach Galifianakis, Dolly Wells, and Spencer House star; Kumail Nanjiani, Nikki Crawford, and Cary Elwes will also appear.
- Creative team: Taika Waititi will direct the pilot and executive produce; Stefani Robinson is writing the pilot and executive producing.
- Status: Full series order at FX after a year in development.
- Pedigree: Waititi and Robinson previously teamed on FX's 'What We Do in the Shadows,' which nailed the horror-comedy balance.
- Brooks factor: Mel Brooks is involved, which should reassure anyone worried about tone or respect for the original's DNA.
Prequel vibes, but details are thin
FX is keeping plot specifics locked down. The gist is that it takes place before Gene Wilder's Dr. Frederick Frankenstein inherits the family estate and reanimates his way into cinematic history. Beyond that, the network is letting the team cook.
'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,' FX Entertainment president Nick Grad said. '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 are having making it.'
Why this could work
The original 'Young Frankenstein' was a brilliant riff on the old Universal monster flicks, and FX already proved it knows how to milk the funny out of the supernatural with 'Shadows.' With Robinson writing, Waititi directing the pilot, and Brooks in the mix, the tone should land somewhere between lovingly classic and gleefully unhinged. That is a good lane for this property.
Also brewing: 'Spaceballs' sequel update
While we are talking Brooks, his other cult classic is roaring back too. 'Spaceballs: The New One' wrapped filming at the end of last year and is dated by Amazon MGM Studios for April 23, 2027. Brooks is reprising both Yogurt and President Skroob. Rick Moranis is coming out of retirement to return as Dark Helmet, Bill Pullman is back as Lone Star, Daphne Zuniga returns as Princess Vespa, and George Wyner is again Colonel Sanders.
Short version: if you like your monsters and your movies with a wink, the next few years just got a lot more fun.