Maggie Gyllenhaal and Jessie Buckley discuss The Bride!, a bold reimagining that gives a voice to the iconic monster. In theaters March 6, 2026.
The Bride! is a bold reimagining of the classic story that explores the untold perspective of one of horror’s most silent icons. Directed, written, and produced by Maggie Gyllenhaal, the film challenges traditional genre boundaries, moving beyond the 1935 original to give the Bride a pulse, a mind, and, most importantly, a voice. This contemporary take transforms the monster into a celebration of the parts of ourselves that refuse to fit into society’s narrow boxes.
Earlier this month, Senior Artisans Editor at Variety, Jazz Tangcay, hosted a special virtual press conference featuring director Maggie Gyllenhaal and lead actor Jessie Buckley. Fresh off her Actor Award win, Buckley joined Gyllenhaal to discuss their deep creative partnership, the film’s unique sonic landscape, and the radical influence of Mary Shelley. The conversation delved into the meticulous prosthetic work required to bring these mythological figures to life and the dare at the heart of the movie: to embrace the monstrous aspects within us all.
Reclaiming the Bride’s Voice
Question: Maggie, what was the original spark of inspiration for this project?
Maggie Gyllenhaal: “I went to see the original Bride of Frankenstein… the Bride isn’t in it. I mean, she’s in it for two minutes and she doesn’t say one word. And it made me very curious about what she might be thinking or feeling… having been brought back from the dead without her consent to be the wife of someone that she’s never met”.
The Power of the “Monstrous” Mind
Question: Jessie, what was important to you in finally giving this character a voice?
Jessie Buckley: “She’s questioning out survival in order to discover herself. And I think what was essential to both of us was this woman’s mind and body were in deep conversation with the reality that she’s woken up into… She’s not screaming and saying no. She’s like, where am I? What is this? What is love? What is marriage?”.
A Creative Partnership
Question: How would you describe your collaboration on this film?
Jessie Buckley: “I think when we both met on Lost Daughter, there was a meeting of minds and souls… and to get to come back and go even deeper together, to go even more wildly into our imagination… I know and hope this is just the beginning of a long love affair with each other. And she’s my Scorsese”.
About The Bride!
In 1930s Chicago, groundbreaking scientist Dr. Euphronious brings a murdered young woman back to life to be a companion for Frankenstein’s monster. What happens next is beyond what either of them could ever have imagined.
The Bride! comes to theaters on March 6th.