[Trailer] First Look at Maggie Gyllenhaal’s ‘The Bride’ Starring Jessie Buckley & Christian Bale Has Been Revealed

Maggie Gyllenhaal’s new film, The Bride!, has just released its first trailer, giving audiences a first look at her reimagining of the classic Frankenstein story.

The film stars Jessie Buckley as the Bride and Christian Bale as Frankenstein’s monster, with an ensemble cast that includes Peter Sarsgaard, Annette Bening, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Penélope Cruz.

The Bride! is inspired by the 1935 film Bride of Frankenstein, itself based on Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus.

The story is set in 1930s Chicago, where Frankenstein’s monster asks Dr. Euphronius to create a companion for him. Together, they bring a murdered woman to life as “the Bride,” sparking romance, police attention, and social upheaval.

There’s a monster inside us all. The Bride! coming soon. pic.twitter.com/yJSXDm33LB

— Warner Bros. (@warnerbros) September 23, 2025

Maggie Gyllenhaal is writing, directing, and producing the film, marking her second feature as a director following The Lost Daughter in 2021.

Jessie Buckley, who also starred in The Lost Daughter, leads the cast, while Christian Bale plays the iconic monster. Annette Bening portrays Dr. Euphronius, and Penélope Cruz stars as Myrna. Other notable cast members include Peter Sarsgaard, Julianne Hough, John Magaro, Jeannie Berlin, Linda Emond, Louis Cancelmi, and Matthew Maher.

The project initially began with Netflix, but after the 2023 Hollywood strikes, Netflix abandoned the film. Warner Bros. Pictures then picked it up, allowing Gyllenhaal more creative freedom to shoot in New York City.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Warner Bros. co-chairs Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy supported the film and its larger budget, which is now reported to be around $80 million.

Principal photography began in March 2024, with Peter Sarsgaard noting that the movie includes “big dance numbers,” suggesting a unique take on the monster story. Editing was completed by Dylan Tichenor, and the score was composed by Hildur Guðnadóttir, replacing Jonny Greenwood.

The Bride! is scheduled for release in the United States on March 6, 2026, after previously being pushed from September and October 2025 dates. The trailer release is already generating buzz online, with viewers excited to see this high-profile reinterpretation of a horror classic.

What do you think of the first look at The Bride!? Are you excited to see Jessie Buckley and Christian Bale bring these legendary characters to life? Share your thoughts in the comments.