Last November, we heard that Stone Village Television and BlackBox Multimedia were developing a premium television series adaptation of Mary Shelley's classic novel Frankenstein. Now the project has found its director, as Deadline learned that Otto Bathurst has signed on to take the helm of the show and co-produce it through his One Big Picture production banner.
Bathurst has previously directed episodes of the shows Black Mirror, Peaky Blinders, and His Dark Materials, among others. His first theatrically released feature was the 2018 Robin Hood starring Taron Egerton. Bathurst and One Big Picture are also involved with the upcoming Showtime series based on the Halo video game franchise.
The Frankenstein series is described as a "reimagining" of the source material. It's set in
pre-Victorian Europe and focuses on the behaviors and obsessions of a scientist exploring the fine thread between life and death.
Bathurst had this to say about the project:
We are inspired by this opportunity to take a really deep dive into the original text and deliver the arrestingly relevant truth that Shelley has so powerfully embedded in this incredible story. To be able to deliver a modern and true version of this ever-more-pertinent tale is an undertaking that we are extremely excited by."
Frankenstein is a terrific story and I'll probably watch this adaptation at some point, but I can't say I'm very excited about it. I have seen so many different versions of Frankenstein, it's tough to work up enthusiasm over the idea of seeing it done yet again… Unless Guillermo del Toro finally gets the chance to make the Frankenstein movie he's been wanting to do forever.
We'll keep you updated on this Frankenstein TV series as it continues to move forward. I'm curious to hear who will be playing the doctor and the monster this time around.