‘Lisa Frankenstein’ Teaser: Kathryn Newton Digs Up an Undead Cole Sprouse in Diablo Cody’s ’80s-Inspired Dark Comedy

One part “Edward Scissorhands,” one part “Poor Things,” a dash of “Jennifer’s Body,” add some sugar and spice, and everything is just as nice as young love for Diablo Cody’s latest, “Lisa Frankenstein.”

Kathryn Newton stars as a lonely high schooler who dreams up the perfect man…who has already lived (and died). With the help of a trusty tanning bed, she conjures up his corpse and reanimates him back to life. Sort of.

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The official synopsis reads: A coming of RAGE love story from acclaimed writer Diablo Cody about a misunderstood teenager (Newton) and her high school crush, who happens to be a handsome corpse (Cole Sprouse). 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.

Liza Soberano, Henry Eikenberry, Joe Chrest, and Carla Gugino also star.

Zelda Williams makes her feature directorial debut with the dark comedy. Screenwriter Cody produces the film along with collaborator Mason Novick, who was behind “Juno,” “Tully,” “Jennifer’s Body,” and “Young Adult.” Jeffrey Lampert executive produces.

Production wrapped in New Orleans in September 2022, with director Williams tweeting, “As I dive into post on ‘Lisa Frankenstein,’ I just wanna say how grateful I am to have worked with every single person in this photo. To have crossed the (production) finish line on my first film with all of you will remain one of the most joyful adventures of my life. Thank you.”

Williams called the movie a “bonkers, wonderful zombie” film. “I know Hollywood gets a bad rep for regurgitating sequels and remakes and reboots over and over and over… and yeah, it totally does that! But it’s also finally letting me make the most bonkers, wonderful zombie script I’ve ever read, and for that, I will be forever grateful!” she tweeted (via Entertainment Weekly).

Williams added, “I had three films fall apart before this because movies often do. It was discouraging, to say the least. But the fact this one survived and THRIVED to be my first? A f—ing gift.”

Focus Features is distributing “Lisa Frankenstein” in the U.S. with Universal Pictures International handling international distribution.

“Lisa Frankenstein” premieres February 9 in theaters. Check out the teaser below.

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