We’ve seen famous literary character like James Bond receive the prequel treatment before in both print and on the cinema screen, and now it’s the turn of Mary Shelley’s classic creation, scientist Victor Frankenstein.

Coming Soon is reporting that an adaptation of the novel This Dark Endeavor: The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein has been purchased by Summit Entertainment with plans for a cinema release later this year. The story (pitched at the young adult market) follows a young Victor who has to embark on an adventure to uncover the recipe for the Elixir of Life in order to save his gravely-ill twin brother Konrad.

Twilight’s Karen Rosenfelt is attached to produce the adaptation and the studio must be hoping that this will deliver a big money-spinning franchise similar to that of Stephanie Meyer’s vampire romance series.