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In 1930s Chicago, Frankenstein asks Dr. Euphronius to help him create a companion. They bring a murdered woman to life as a bride, sparking romance, police interest, and radical social change. In January 2024, while hosting the Governors’ Awards (honorary/lifetime achievement awards given by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which awards the Oscars), comedian John Mulaney jokingly recounted a story about being asked to record an audition for a small role in the film: "Ladies and gentlemen, you look at me and you think, 'Oh, great. Another angel here to tease us during our sacred rituals.' Well, let me tell you, I’m not that much of an outsider. I’m pretty much looking for a movie. I’d like to share with you an actual email I received from my agents about thirty days ago. This is an actual email they sent me on December 7th [2023], so you’ll have an idea of who you’re dealing with. ’John, in anticipation of our conversation, please find the untitled Maggie Gyllenhaal project written and directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal.’ That makes sense. ’Emma Tillinger Koskoff, Osnat Handelsman[-Keren], and Talia Kleinhendler are attached to produce for Warner Brothers. Christian Bale is in talks to star with Jesse Buckley.’ I know who one of them is. ’There’s no script at this time.’ Okay, I’m listening. “Looking forward to your response to the material. Please use the attached sidebar to tape yourself for the role of the young cop.” We, thank you. They actually sent me this. WME [entertainment agency William Morris Endeavor] sent me this, let me be clear. I’m not being offered the role of the young cop. They’re giving me the opportunity to throw my hat in the ring. Yeah, I put it on tape, no, I didn’t get it, but. . . . Stop focusing on the failures, okay? Enough failures. There are only winners tonight.”