The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert Maggie Gyllenhaal (Extended)
Mar 21, 2026
Maggie Gyllenhaal, director, actor and writer known for The Lost Daughter and The Dark Knight, chats about her film The Bride!. She explains retelling Frankenstein from the woman’s point of view. Conversations cover directing family, shaping performances with Jessie Buckley, and themes of love, monsters and acceptance.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Reframing The Bride As Her Own Subject
- The film reframes the Bride as a woman reinvigorated without consent after being dug up to be Frankenstein's wife.
- Maggie Gyllenhaal created the story from curiosity about the Bride's inner life and what she thinks after being resurrected.
Curiosity About The Silent Bride Sparked The Film
- Maggie recounts showing the original Bride of Frankenstein and wondering what the silent character thought during her two-minute appearance.
- That curiosity launched the project and led to a version where the Bride 'has a lot to say' and drives the film's perspective.
Lipstick Messages Between Siblings
- Maggie shares a family anecdote about leaving lipstick messages on her brother's mirror during each other's plays.
- She keeps the tradition across runs and used it as a playful behind-the-scenes connection with Jake Gyllenhaal.