Back in June of 2025, we wrote about how a “Young Frankenstein” Mel Brooks series based on the incredible 1974 film might be in the works, and how we needed it ASAP.
Now, we’re finally getting confirmation that we’ll be able to watch it soon (or soon-ish?). FX just picked up “Very Young Frankenstein,” helmed by Māori Jewish director and writer Taika Waititi and his excellent vampire comedy “What We Do in the Shadows” (also streaming on FX/Hulu) collaborators Stefani Robinson and Garrett Basch. The two will be executive producers along with Brooks himself, original film producer Michael Gruskoff and Kevin Salter, the executive producer of the recent and excellent “Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!”
Nick Grad, the president of FX Entertainment, called the show “a completely original take on the classic story,” and shared that “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.”
The show will star Zach Galifianakis (“Between Two Ferns,” “The Hangover”), Dolly Wells (“Bridget Jones’s Diary,” “And Just Like That…”), Spencer House (“Teenage Bounty Hunters”), Tony-nominated Nikki Crawford, stand-up extraordinaire Kumail Nanjiani (“Silicon Valley”) and Cary Elwes (“The Princess Bride”). There’s no word yet on who will be playing who (or rather, what) but we’re glad there’s already a hilarious and gifted cast behind this show. (Galifianakis would make both a great doctor and a great monster, just saying!)
“It’s pronounced Very Young Fronkensteen,” Waititi shared on Instagram, referring to the famous line from the original movie.
Though we don’t yet know exactly when the show is coming, we can’t wait to meet our new very young Fronkensteen. And we’re so excited for this Mel Brooks renaissance we’re experiencing. A “History of the World” reboot streamed on FX/Hulu in 2023, and now there’s a “Spaceballs” sequel titled “Spaceballs: The New One,” set to premiere in 2027.
What a time to be alive as a Mel Brooks fan! Here’s hoping the 99-year-old comedian and film and TV maker makes it to 120 so we get many more of these delightful follow-ups to his oeuvre.
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