Sebastian Stan is preparing to star in a fresh adaptation of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, combining elements of CIA thriller and gothic horror. The Golden Globe-winning actor, recently seen reprising his role as Bucky Barnes, also known as the Winter Soldier, in Marvel’s Thunderbolts, is expanding his filmography with this unique project.
Collaboration with Acclaimed Romanian Director Radu Jude
This new Frankenstein film is being directed by Radu Jude, a renowned Romanian filmmaker noted for his provocative works such as Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn and Do Not Expect Too Much from the End of the World. Jude, who has received international recognition including the Silver Bear for Best Screenplay at the Berlin Film Festival, is known for pushing cinematic boundaries and weaving social realities into his narratives.
Inspiration and Creative Process Behind the Film
The partnership between Stan and Jude began when the actor personally reached out to the director with interest in collaboration. Jude shared with Cultura la dubă:
“Sebastian contacted me a while ago, he said he would like to collaborate, but I had no idea. Finally, I thought, while I was working on the sound for Dracula, that I could propose a film that would start from the reality of the CIA prisons in Romania, from 20 years ago, and combine these ideas with another cinematic myth, that of the Frankenstein monster.”
—Radu Jude, Director
Jude further explained:
“Sebastian said yes, so I started writing the script, but it will take some time. I really appreciate him, he’s a great actor and he seems like a very curious guy, so I said, ‘Why not?’”
—Radu Jude, Director
Blending Real-World History with Gothic Tragedy
This film will explore the intersection of harsh historical realities—specifically referencing CIA prisons in Romania—and the iconic gothic narrative of Frankenstein’s monster. This fusion promises an original take on the classic story, setting it apart from previous adaptations by anchoring the horror in actual events and places. Before fully dedicating himself to this project, Jude is set to premiere his adaptation of Dracula at the 78th Locarno Film Festival, riding the momentum from his recent Berlin accolade for Kontinental ’25.
Anticipated Impact and Future Outlook
The combination of Sebastian Stan’s involvement and Radu Jude’s distinctive vision could result in a bold and innovative Frankenstein film adaptation that resonates with contemporary audiences. With its grounding in real historical context and fresh narrative approach, this project could redefine how classic horror stories are told in modern cinema. As Stan continues his role in Avengers: Doomsday, set for release in late 2026, fans can look forward to seeing him take on this dramatically different yet compelling role in the near future.
