It’s Alive! Zach Galifianakis to Star in New ‘Young Frankenstein’ Series
Get ready to Abby Normal, because one of the greatest comedies ever made is getting a new life! FX has officially ordered a pilot for Very Young Frankenstein, a new series inspired by Mel Brooks’ legendary 1974 film. And if that news isn’t exciting enough, the cast and creative team attached will have you doing the Puttin’ on the Ritz.
This isn’t just some quick cash-in on a famous name. This project has some serious comedic power behind it, promising a fresh take on a story we all love.
A Cast of Comedy Monsters
So, who is stepping into the laboratory? The lineup for Very Young Frankenstein is already stacked with incredible talent.
Zach Galifianakis is Dr. Frankenstein
That’s right, the star of The Hangover and Between Two Ferns, Zach Galifianakis, is set to play the brilliant, frazzled, and probably hilarious Dr. Frankenstein. It’s an inspired choice to follow in the footsteps of the great Gene Wilder, and Galifianakis’s unique brand of awkward, deadpan humor could bring something truly special to the role.
The rest of the cast is just as exciting:
- Kumail Nanjiani (Silicon Valley, The Big Sick)
- Dolly Wells (Inside Man)
- Spencer House (Tell Me Lies)
- Nikki Crawford (Cruel Intentions)
And in a truly wild casting twist, Cary Elwes, another Mel Brooks movie alum from Robin Hood: Men in Tights, is set to play the President of the United States. What the President is doing in a Frankenstein story is anyone’s guess, but it already sounds hilarious.
The Team Behind the Madness
A great cast is one thing, but the people making the show are what give this project its seal of approval. First and foremost, the master himself, Mel Brooks, is on board as an executive producer. Having his blessing gives the whole thing a sense of legitimacy.
But here’s the real kicker: the project is being spearheaded by some of the geniuses behind FX’s hit show What We Do in the Shadows. Stefani Robinson will serve as the writer and showrunner, and the one-and-only Taika Waititi is directing the pilot.
If anyone knows how to respectfully parody a classic horror genre while creating lovable, quirky characters, it’s this team. They turned a cult-favorite movie into a TV show that many argue is even better. That’s a great sign for the future of Very Young Frankenstein.
Can It Capture the Original’s Magic?
Let’s be honest: the original Young Frankenstein is a masterpiece. Gene Wilder’s manic energy, Marty Feldman’s bug-eyed Igor (that’s Eye-gore!), and Cloris Leachman’s terrifying Frau Blücher are iconic. It’s a perfect film that lovingly spoofed the old Universal monster movies.
Remaking or following up on a classic is always a risky business. It’s like trying to repaint the Mona Lisa. But this project feels different. It’s not a remake but a new story, and it has the right people involved who clearly love and respect the source material. With a cast this funny and a creative team this proven, we might just be in for a monster of a good time.
What do you think of this news? Are you excited to see a new generation take on the Frankenstein legacy, or should some classics be left alone? Let us know your thoughts