Maggie Gyllenhaal’s The Bride, a $100 million horror musical from Warner Bros, is reportedly facing serious post-production challenges following disastrous test screenings. The film, which Netflix originally dropped due to budget concerns, has left Warner Bros executives scrambling to salvage the project before its scheduled October 3, 2025 release.
Test Screenings Raise Concerns
Reports indicate that early audience reactions were overwhelmingly negative, with Puck confirming the film is too arthouse and not horror-driven enough to justify its massive budget. A source from a January screening called the film “a mess”, describing Jessie Buckley’s performance as its only saving grace.
Buckley plays a 1930s prostitute with a split personality who believes she’s Mary Shelley. After being murdered by her mobster husband, she is resurrected by Dr. Frankenstein, influenced by Annette Bening’s character. The film’s chaotic tone has reportedly left audiences confused, making it unclear whether it leans more toward horror, psychological drama, or experimental musical.
Warner Bros Faces Another Costly Gamble
Warner Bros is already under pressure following the underperformance of Bong Joon-ho’s Mickey 17 ($130M budget, $19M opening weekend) and mounting concerns over expensive auteur-driven projects like:
- Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another ($150M budget)
- Ryan Coogler’s Sinners ($100M budget, requiring a $60M opening to break even)
With The Bride now in damage control mode, Warner Bros’ Pamela Abdy has reportedly been tasked with restructuring the film, though insiders suggest it has been a difficult process.
A Star-Studded Cast and Gyllenhaal’s Reputation at Stake
Gyllenhaal’s directorial debut, The Lost Daughter, was a critical hit, earning three Oscar nominations. Her ambitious take on Bride of Frankenstein, however, is proving more divisive.
The film boasts a stacked cast, including:
- Christian Bale
- Peter Sarsgaard
- Jessie Buckley
- Annette Bening
- Penélope Cruz
- John Mulaney
- Jake Gyllenhaal
Despite the turmoil, industry insiders expect The Bride to premiere at the Venice Film Festival (Lido), where Gyllenhaal previously found success.
With Warner Bros deep in damage control mode, the question remains: Can The Bride be saved before its theatrical and IMAX launch this October?