LATEST NEWS

Summit Developing Frankenstein Origin Story 'This Dark Endeavor'

by Ethan Anderton
February 1, 2011
Source: Deadline

Several different takes on this classic movie monster are already in the works: I, Frankenstein, The Chin's Bruce Campbell vs Frankenstein, and an adaptation of Dean Koontz's Frankenstein. But now Summit Ent. is looking to tell the origin story of the doctor behind the monster as Deadline reports their acquisition of rights to Kenneth Oppel's novel This Dark Endeavor: The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein. The story follows a young Victor Frankenstein as he attempts to find the three rare ingredients needed to create the Elixir of Life in order to save his twin brother, Konrad, who has become gravely ill. Read on!

The novel hasn't yet been published (it's supposed to hit shelves this summer), but here's the official synopsis:

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 Victor's 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 one’s own body part, the three fearless friends risk their lives to save another.

Apparently Universal, which has been developing another Frankenstein iteration with Guillermo del Toro for awhile, was interested in picking up the property, but Summit swooped in and snatched it away from them. As an origin tale following a younger Victor Frankenstein, the story itself has plenty of references to Mary Shelly and her Frankenstein novel so that it actually sets up the original classic tale. So essentially, this film is like a prequel to the classic novel. The story sounds interesting, but I'm still waiting for another original take on the classic monster to come out of the works. What do you think?

Tweet

Find more posts: Movie News, Opinions

4 Comments

New comments are no longer allowed on this post.