Director Maggie Gyllenhaal recently shared a sneak peek of her upcoming film 'The Bride,' featuring Christian Bale and Jessie Buckley in lead roles. The first images from a camera test were revealed on Instagram, showcasing Bale's remarkable transformation into Frankenstein and Buckley as the eponymous bride.
The photos, captured by film photographer Niko Tavernise, offer a glimpse into the unique portrayal of the iconic characters. Bale's Frankenstein sports a scarred face, sutures on his forehead, and a tattoo reading 'Hope' on his stitched-up chest. Buckley's character appears with a distinctive bleached-blonde, finger-waved hairstyle and ink splatter on her cheek.
'The Bride' reimagines Mary Shelley's classic tale in a 1930s Chicago setting. The storyline follows a lonely Frankenstein seeking companionship, who teams up with Dr. Euphronios to create a partner for himself. Together, they bring back a deceased woman, giving rise to the titular bride.
In an earlier interview with THR, Bale hinted at his upcoming role, mentioning the physical transformations required for the character. He humorously shared his reluctance to shave his head immediately due to other commitments, causing some confusion among the production team.
Originally planned as a Netflix production, 'The Bride' eventually found a home at Warner Bros. The star-studded cast includes Annette Bening, Penelope Cruz, and Peter Sarsgaard alongside Buckley and Bale. This project marks Gyllenhaal's second directorial venture, following the success of 'The Lost Daughter' in 2021, which also featured Jessie Buckley.