Is Lisa Frankenstein based on a book?

Lisa Frankenstein hits screens this week, but is Kathryn Newton’s new horror-comedy based on a book?

Lisa Frankenstein is a new movie from writer Diablo Cody; the first time she’s dabbled in horror since 2009 cult classic Jennifer’s Body. Indeed, according to Cody herself, the two movies take place in the same shared universe. Meaning there’s space for a crossover project in the future.

Cody first burst onto the movie scene with Juno in 2007, and her work since has included the likes of Young Adult and Tully, as well as TV show the United States of Tara.

All of which are underpinned by black humor, much like Lisa Frankenstein. But is it based on a book?

Is Lisa Frankenstein based on a book?

Lisa Frankenstein isn’t based on a book. But it is inspired by one of the most famous novels of all time – Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Or to give the book its official title: ‘Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus.’

Shelley was just 18 when she started writing the story, which concerns scientist Victor Frankenstein, and the monster he creates by giving life to non-living matter. The book has been adapted multiple times, with Universal’s 1931 adaptation the most famous version. And Kenneth Branagh’s 1994 movie the most faithful adaptation.

For Lisa Frankenstein, Diablo Cody takes the basic elements of a lifeless body being animated, and uses it as the jumping off point for a comedy-horror-romance that stars Kathryn Newton and Cole Sprouse.

Here’s the official synopsis: “A coming of RAGE love story about a misunderstood teenager and her High School crush, who happens to be a handsome corpse. After a set of playfully horrific circumstances bring him back to life, the two embark on a murderous journey to find love, happiness… and a few missing body parts along the way.”

So expect nods and references to Marry Shelley’s gothic classic, but housed in an entirely original story where plot and character are totally different.

Lisa Frankenstein is released on February 9, 2024.