Summary
Fifty years ago, the Gene Wilder-ledYoung Frankensteindefined the hallmarks of the modern legacy sequel. In modern film, there have plenty of legacy sequels that expand on previous film universes by introducing new generations of heroes. Beyond direct sequels likeCandymanandTop Gun: Maverick, franchises likeStar Wars,Indiana Jones,Ghostbusters,Scream, andHalloweenhave used the concept to set up new characters — often with direct ties to previous heroes and villains.
While this concept has become more popular in the 21st century, there are examples of it occurring in previous decades of film.Legacy sequels likePsycho IIandTexas Chainsaw Massacre 2codified how to bring back previous characters to terrorize new generations of characters, but Gene Wilder’s turn as the heir to the Frankenstein legacy predates both of those films by almost a decade. In fact,Young Frankensteinhas many of the hallmarks of themodern legacy sequel movie, but has one important element that elevates it beyond all the others.
Why Young Frankenstein Is in Black & White (& Why It’s Brilliant)
Young Frankenstein ranks amongst Mel Brooks’ most brilliant work, but its black and white aesthetic is unusual for a 1974 film. Here’s why that is.
How Young Frankenstein Defined The Legacy Sequel
Young FrankensteinHonors The OriginalFrankensteinIn Several Big Ways
Mel Brooks’Young Frankensteinmay be one of the earliest examples of the Legacy Sequelas a concept in film, and had a crucial strength that other similar movies should try to replicate. Released in 1974,Young Frankensteinis regarded as one of the best film parodies of all time, with a loving and hilariousparody of the classic Universal Monster Moviesthat still feels authentic to the original. Gene Wilder plays Frederick Frankenstein, the grandson of the infamous Doctor Frankenstein. Mel Brooks made the film less as a parody ofFrankenstein, and more a comedic take on the concept.
Young Frankensteinshares many of the hallmarks that have come to define the legacy sequel as a concept.It focuses on a descendant of an established character, a connectionYoung Frankensteinmakes overt when it returns to the setting of the originalFrankenstein. It plays audio from the original movie to reinforce that connection, and features several visual references to past movies. It plays with iconic sequences from older films, putting a new spin on established dynamics between Frankenstein’s new Monster and the people he encounters. In many ways,Young Frankensteinfeels like a precursor to the modern legacy sequel.
Was Young Frankenstein The First Legacy Sequel?
Young FrankensteinWas Released Decades Before Legacy Sequels Became The Norm
There’s a case to be made thatYoung Frankensteinwas the first legacy sequel in Hollywood. While there had been plenty of direct sequels and long-running franchises, few carried the hallmarks of what is considered a modern legacy sequel. 1986’sThe Color of Moneywas a good early example of that concept, bringing back Paul Newman’s character fromThe Hustlerwhile introducing a successor with Tom Cruise’s Vincent. Other early examples of the concept include 1984’sPsycho II, 1985’sReturn to Ozand 1998’sHalloween H20: 20 Years Later, which brought back Jamie Lee Curtis' Laurie.
Young Frankensteinpredates all those films, however, and follows the kind of arc that can be seen in many modern legacy films. There’s a reverence for the prior films that still makes room for subversion and exploration. The younger versions of the older archetypes bring a unique energy to the story that still feels connected to the original. This allowsYoung Frankensteinto work as a continuation of the original franchise, while still feeling like a stand-alone story. Notably, this legacy sequel does something that many others fail to achieve.
Why Blazing Saddles Is Mel Brooks' Best Spoof (& Why Young Frankenstein Is Second)
Mel Brooks is known for making amazing parodies, with Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein often regarded as his best.
Why More Legacy Sequels Need To Be Like Young Frankenstein
Young FrankensteinEmbraced A Unique Tone And Stands Out From The Films That Inspired It
Young Frankensteinis a loving homage to previous Universal monster movies, while still feeling unique to them. By embracing a comedic approach to the concept, the movie doesn’t just feel like a retread even as it touches on many of the same story beats as the originalFrankenstein. It feels inspired byFrankensteinand directly connected to it, but stands alone as a separate story. A common criticism of legacy sequels in modern cinema is that they ultimately result in diminishing returns. By repeating the same ideas but with a new cast, they invite direct comparisons to the previous films.
More legacy sequels should be likeYoung Frankensteinand embrace a different style or tone to their predecessors. This doesn’t mean they all need to be comedies, just that they’re willing to experiment with the concept. A willingness to be a different kind of movie within the framework of previous creations would give the filmmakers freedom to tell their own story, while still connecting it to a recognizable and popular concept.Young Frankensteinmight be one of the earliest versions of a cinematic legacy sequel, but its willingness to be different means it remains one of the best.
Young Frankenstein
Cast
Young Frankenstein is a comedic homage to classic horror films, directed by Mel Brooks. Released in 1974, it stars Gene Wilder as Dr. Frederick Frankenstein, who inherits his infamous grandfather’s castle. Initially dismissive of his ancestor’s work, he later becomes intrigued by his experiments after discovering a hidden journal.
