In a time where drama and despair seem to dominate the airwaves and brainwaves, people like Rob Zombie seem like ideal examples of how to escape from bad thoughts. The rocker-turned-filmmaker appears to be off in his own happy world based on the regular updates regarding his film reboot of The Munsters, and it's frankly inspiring in a certain way.
The latest bit of info released unveils the Peacock film's first new character Dr. Henry Augustus Wolfgang, played by Richard Brake. This comes on the heels of Zombie's previous post revealing The Munsters' main cast, including Jeff Daniel Phillips as Herman, Sheri Moon Zombie as Lily, and Dan Roebuck as Grandpa. Still no word on who's playing Eddie and Marilyn. Maybe they're too normal (for the movie and for Zombie).
Zombie posted the image on Instagram, describing the decent doctor as "Transylvania’s most popular Mad Scientist." Brake definitely looks the part, sporting science person goggles reminiscent of Back to the Future's Doc Brown and a snazzy vest adorned with only the finest of blood-covered aprons. The actor himself appears just as enthused to be part of the project, adding his own "woo hoo!!!" in the comments.
Brake, a Welsh-born American actor, has an impressive film and television resume, sporting such roles as Joe Chill in Batman Begins and even the Night King in seasons 4 and 5 of Game of Thrones. Much like the rest of the announced cast for The Munsters, he also has a history with Zombie, appearing in his films 31 and Halloween II. He even appeared in The Mandalorian as Valin Hess, the Imperial officer who met a rather satisfying end at the hands of Bill Burr's Mayfeld.
This is currently the only information Zombie has revealed about Dr. Wolfgang, but it's interesting to finally see a completely original character joining the roster. This project was understandably met with a wave of skepticism upon its announcement, particularly from long-time fans who were afraid he wouldn't stay true to the source material. Well, for better or worse, it looks like that particular question has been answered.
But that doesn't mean Zombie's interpretation of The Munsters should automatically be written off. After all, reboots and remakes exist as an opportunity to offer new takes on classic stories. What's the point of even doing it if the end product is just going to be a pitch-perfect reproduction? There's got to be some sort of hook that justifies a new version, and Zombie may have just hinted at his. Here's hoping he and the rest of the cast and crew stick the landing.
The Munsters is set to release in theaters and on the Peacock streaming service in the Fall of 2022.
Source: Rob Zombie/Instagram