Movies
‘Lisa Frankenstein’ Director Teases Hopes for an Unrated Version of Kathryn Newton Movie
Horror-comedy Lisa Frankenstein wasn’t exactly a hit at the box office last year, scaring up just $9.7 million, but the film’s fanbase has been growing in the wake of its short-lived theatrical run. Slash Film’s BJ Colangelo recently dove deep into the film’s cult classic appeal, suggesting it’s the kind of movie that fans may continue falling in love with going forward.
Directed by Zelda Williams and written by Diablo Cody (Jennifer’s Body), Lisa Frankenstein is PG-13, making it accessible to all audiences. But did you know it could’ve been rated R?
Diablo Cody told Cinema Blend last year, “There were extensive conversations on this topic actually and I’m ultimately very glad that it’s PG-13 because I don’t think we sacrificed any of the core components of the movie. And now a lot more people are gonna be able to see it, especially young people.”
Williams explained, “On the page it definitely was a very tricky needle to thread, particularly because these violent deaths are so integral to the movie. And I was like, oh no. Now they, wait, hold on. How do I fix this? Thankfully in this circumstance I was a bit prepared in advance for that outcome. I have friends and peers that have walked me through that. That is a sometimes expected thing. So we had enough wiggle room that I could still keep it tonally very much the movie we set out to make, but removed some of the stuff that would’ve made it, and it was tricky and it took a while, but we figured it out, and now it is PG-13.”
Taking to Instagram earlier this month, Zelda Williams ignited the hopes of Lisa Frankenstein fans who are begging to see some of that “unrated” material inserted back into the movie.
Williams wrote in an IG story, “Endlessly thankful to all the Lisa Frankenfamily out there. It’s been lovely to meet you, to see your tattoos and paintings and to hear your stories about what our weird, wacky movie means to you. Please know it means the world to me! And who knows, maybe one day we will even be able to resurrect an unrated version for you all.”
“A gal can dream, right?” Williams added at the tail end of her message to fans.
If you want it, make sure to demand it! And we’ll keep you posted if we hear more.
Set in 1989, Lisa Frankenstein follows an unpopular high schooler (Kathryn Newton) who accidentally re-animates a handsome Victorian corpse during a lightning storm and starts to rebuild him into the man of her dreams using the broken tanning bed in her garage.
lisa frankenstein unrated version coming? 👀 pic.twitter.com/dP0nvHhf0l
— bella (@johnnyslawrence) May 6, 2025
Sunrise Films has announced the official North American release of William Bagley‘s horror comedy Hold the Fort, and it’s accompanied by an energetic new trailer.
Hold the Fort debuts on digital platforms on June 23.
In the film, “Lucas and Jenny think their life is finally coming together when the couple become homeowners. Little do they know that their new house comes with a big catch. Lucas and Jenny soon find themselves in a fight for their lives when they become trapped in a battle between their Homeowners Association and an onslaught of monsters from hell. The horror-comedy takes the timely concern of home-ownership and wraps this up in an entertaining action-packed thrill ride.“
Watch the new trailer below, which introduces one wild HOA gathering during an equinox. Things get bloody fast.
Chris Mayers (Adult Swim Yule Log), Haley Leary (“The Walking Dead”), Levi Burdick, and Julian Smith star.
William Bagley writes and directs, in addition to producing with Smith, Matt Dodd, Luke Williams, and Tim Reis (Adult Swim Yule Log).
Ahead of the release, Bagley said, “My goal with this film was to make a hilarious, fast-paced thrill ride while also telling a great story with heart. Hopefully, through all the blood, laughs, fights, and gags, you leave the film feeling inspired to tackle whatever life throws at you.“
Hold the Fort premiered at Fantasia last summer before going on to play FrightFest London, Toronto After Dark, and Beyond Fest.
I wrote in my review, “It’s an infectiously charming assemblage of jokes and monster vignettes bound together by a barebones plot with not much on its mind beyond delivering an entertaining time.”
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