Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein has seen a multitude of adaptations since it first hit bookshelves all the way back in 1818. It has spawned sequels, retellings, stage adaptations and numerous films, most of which have very little to do with the original novel. Paul McGuigan’s version of the Frankenstein story looks to be no different, adapting characters who never appear in the original novel into a story that likely to be a bit different from the Frankenstein tales of the past.
The first image of Daniel Radcliffe as the lead character Igor has surfaced from the Frankenstein set today, but it does not tell us much about the film. The actor looks suitably early 19th Century in a purple suit and cravat, a far cry from his boy wizard days. If the film keeps to usual characterizations of Igor, he’ll be a bit of a sad figure, tortured and bullied by Victor von Frankenstein as the latter carries on his horrific experiments.
Plot details for McGuigan’s version of Frankenstein have largely been kept under wraps, though. What we do know is that Daniel Radcliffe will be playing Victor von Frankenstein’s laboratory assistant, and that the film will be told from his perspective. Radcliffe is joined by James McAvoy as the mad doctor, and Jessica Brown Findlay (Downton Abbey) will play the part of Lorelei, a circus performer who bonds with Igor. Screewriter Max Landis (Chronicle) has stated that he wants the audience to moved by the film, which will be a tale of redemption and friendship. Without more of a plot synopsis to go on, I’m not certain what that means.
Frankenstein was originally going to hit theatres around Halloween next year, but Fox has pushed the release date of McGuigan’s film into early 2015. With January becoming a go-to month for horror films, it makes good sense, but I would have liked to see a quality horror story actually come out on Halloween.
In any case, check out the first image of Daniel Radcliffe in Frankenstein below and let us know what you think about it in the comments section.
