FX has ordered a pilot for a prequel series to the classic Mel Brooks comedy, “Young Frankenstein.”
The pilot, titled “Very Young Frankenstein,” will star Zach Galifianakis (“The Hangover,” FX’s “Baskets”), Cary Elwes (“Robin Hood: Men in Tights,” “The Princess Bride”), Dolly Wells (“Doll & Em,” “Inside Man”), and Spencer House (“Tell Me Lies,” “The Society”) as well as Nikki Crawford (Broadway’s “Fat Ham,” “Cruel Intentions”) and Kumail Nanjiani (“Silicon Valley,” “The Big Sick’).
Apart from the fact that the pilot is based on the Mel Brooks-Gene Wilder movie “Young Frankenstein,” specific plot details are being kept under wraps. Galifianakis will play Dr. Frankenstein, according to insiders, though character specifics are also being kept under wraps. Elwes would portray the President of the United States, according to earlier reports. The show would premiere on Hulu if it were to get picked up for series.
The writer of “Very Young Frankenstein” is Stefani Robinson, and will be co-executive produced by Garrett Basch and Taika Waititi. The three are all former cast members of the popular comedy series “What We Do in the Shadows” on FX. The pilot will be directed by Waititi as well. Michael Gruskoff, Kevin Salter, and Brooks, who co-wrote and directed the movie, will executive produce. While Gruskoff produced the first movie, Salter is Brooks’ co-producer. The studio is 20th Television.
“Young Frankenstein” remains one of the most beloved parodies in cinema history. Shot in black and white, the film stars Gene Wilder as Dr. Frederick Frankenstein, the reluctant heir to his infamous grandfather’s legacy. The film also stars Marty Feldman, Teri Garr, Madeline Kahn, and Peter Boyle as the misunderstood monster.
Source: Variety