Jessie Buckley to Star as Bride of Frankenstein in New Film

The Bride! will be the latest adaptation of the classic character

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Maggie Gyllenhaal's new film The Bride!, starring Jessie Buckley and Christian Bale, is set to hit theaters this weekend. The film follows a lonely 'Frank' (Bale) who travels to 1930s Chicago to ask a scientist, Dr. Euphronious (Annette Bening), to create a companion for him. The two revive a murdered young woman, and The Bride (Buckley) is born, leading to a wild and combustible romance.

Why it matters

The Bride of Frankenstein is an iconic character in cinematic history, with many notable actresses having portrayed her over the years, including Elsa Lanchester, Jane Seymour, Jennifer Beals, and Helena Bonham Carter. Gyllenhaal's take on the character promises to put a fresh spin on the classic tale.

The details

In the new film, The Bride is created by Dr. Euphronious and 'Frank' (Bale's character) after they revive a murdered young woman. The film explores themes of murder, possession, and a radical cultural movement, all set against the backdrop of an 'outlaw lovers' romance.

  • The Bride! will begin playing in Thursday previews before opening in theaters nationwide on Friday, March 7, 2026.

The players

Jessie Buckley

The Irish actress who will portray the title role of The Bride in the new film.

Christian Bale

The acclaimed British actor who will play 'Frank', the lonely man who seeks to create a companion.

Maggie Gyllenhaal

The American actress and filmmaker who wrote and directed The Bride!.

Annette Bening

The veteran American actress who will play the role of Dr. Euphronious, the scientist who helps create The Bride.

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What they’re saying

“The Bride!, starring Jessie Buckley and Christian Bale, will become the latest film to feature the classic character when it opens on the big screen this weekend.”

— Tim Lammers, Author (Forbes)

The takeaway

Gyllenhaal's The Bride! promises to put a fresh spin on the iconic Bride of Frankenstein character, continuing the legacy of memorable actresses who have portrayed the role over the decades.