It’s getting a bit silly the number of projects floating around Hollywood based on the dame source. It’s bad enough that hardly any truly original major movies are made any more, but when they’re all based on the same ideas, things really are getting out of hand. So we have three Snow White flicks, a couple of Three Musketeers (before one fell by the wayside), at least five films (and a TV series) in development based on L. Frank Baum’s Oz, and now we can add a fourth Frankenstein inspired movie to the list.
While everything from a faithful retelling to a modern day update (based on Dean Koontz’s book) is in the works, this one takes things in a young adult prequel direction, based on the upcoming novel This Dark Endeavor: The Apprenticeship Of Victor Frankenstein, telling the story of the future mad scientist’s teenage years, setting up the story for Mary Shelley’s classic tale (although it would appear there’s the possibility of a franchise here, which all studios are looking for). According to Deadline Summit Entertainment has snapped up the movie rights, with Karen Rosenfelt (Twilight) producing.
Here’s the official description of the book: ‘Victor and Konrad are the twin brothers Frankenstein. They are nearly inseparable. Growing up, their lives are filled with imaginary adventures until the day their adventures turn all too real. They stumble upon The Dark Library, and secret books of alchemy and ancient remedies are discovered. Father forbids that they ever enter the room again, but this only peaks Victors curiosity more. When Konrad falls gravely ill, Victor is not be satisfied with the various doctors his parents have called in to help. He is drawn back to The Dark Library where he uncovers an ancient formula for the Elixir of Life. Elizabeth, Henry, and Victor immediately set out to find assistance in a man who was once known for his alchemical works to help create the formula.
‘Determination and the unthinkable outcome of losing his brother spur Victor on in the quest for the three ingredients that will save Konrads life. After scaling the highest trees in the Strumwald, diving into the deepest lake caves, and sacrificing ones own body part, the three fearless friends risk their lives to save another.’