Entertainment

1974 Comedy Called One of the 'Funniest Films of All Time' Is Getting a Spinoff

This 1974 film has resonated with audiences for over 50 years, and now it is receiving a modern spin-off.

FX issued a series order for Very Young Frankensteinon May 18, according to Variety. The upcoming show is based on the timeless Mel Brooks-Gene Wilder comedy Young Frankenstein. The exact storyline is still under wraps.

The original film is remembered greatly by critics and fans. It was ranked fifth by Rolling Stone as the "funniest movie of all time." The movie received two Academy Award nominations and two Golden Globe nominations.

Young Frankenstein follows the grandson of Dr.Frankenstein (Gene Wilder) after he inherits his grandfather's Transylvania estate. Although ashamed of his family's past, he begins to replicate his grandfather's experiments, creating his own monster (PeterBoyle).

The 1974 film was directed by Brooks and written by Brooks and Wilder. Brooks decided to spoof horror films after the success of his Western parody Blazing Saddles.

Now, Brooks will be an executive producer for the modern-day rendition of Young Frankenstein, along with his producing partner, KevinSalter.

The show has been in development for almost a year, with the Very Young Frankenstein pilot ordered in 2025. It is reported to star Zach Galifianakis, Dolly Wells, and Spencer House. The pilot featured Nikki Crawford, KumailNanjiani, and CaryElwes.

"Very Young Frankenstein blends inspiration from the fan-favorite movie with the inventive, irreverent spirit that has defined FX comedies over the years, making this a completely original take on the classic story," said NickGrad, the President of FX Entertainment.

The series comes from writer StefaniRobinson, who will additionally executive-produce alongside TaikaWaititi and Garrett Basch. All three worked on the vampire FX comedy series What We Do in the Shadows.

"In the hands of FX veterans Stefani, Taika and Garrett, alongside the iconic Mel Brooks, we know that fans will have as much fun watching this series as we're having making it," said Grad.

Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved

This story was originally published May 18, 2026 at 4:54 PM.

Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER