Maggie Gyllenhaal has assembled a star-studded cast for her punk horror reimagining of the 1935 classic 'Bride of Frankenstein,' titled 'The Bride!' The film, which premiered in New York on Tuesday night, features her husband Peter Sarsgaard, her brother Jake Gyllenhaal, and a reunion with Jessie Buckley, who starred in her directorial debut 'The Lost Daughter.' Christian Bale, her co-star from 'The Dark Knight,' plays the monster groom.
Gyllenhaal told Variety that Sarsgaard was involved throughout the process of bringing the $90 million film to life, from workshopping ideas to reading script drafts. Her brother Jake joined later, marking the first time she has directed him since they broke out together in the 2001 cult classic 'Donnie Darko.' 'I always had him in mind for Ronnie Reed,' Gyllenhaal explained. 'I just needed to make sure that it was really the right thing for us in our hearts before I asked him to do it.'
The supporting cast includes Penélope Cruz, Annette Bening, and Julianne Hough, who returns to acting after an eight-year hiatus. Hough, known for 'Footloose' and 'Safe Haven,' believes the film will inspire women who feel unheard. 'This is the movie for them. Go and see this movie. You will feel so fucking fired up!' she said.
Jamie Lee Curtis, godmother to both Maggie and Jake Gyllenhaal, has been a vocal supporter, calling the film a 'masterpiece' and 'original punk feminist opera love story' on social media. Gyllenhaal said Curtis saw an early cut and has championed it ever since. When asked if Curtis might appear in her next project, Gyllenhaal replied, 'Oh, I'd love it.'
