As of 2020, one of only three movies since the advent of the Best Screenplay Adapted from Another Medium Oscar to win the award without receiving a Best Picture nomination as well. The others are The Bad and the Beautiful (1952) and Sling Blade (1996).
The title comes from a line in Bride of Frankenstein (1935). Dr. Pretorius says to Dr. Frankenstein, "To a new world of gods and monsters."
Sir Ian McKellen said that he felt very comfortable playing the role of James Whale. Like Whale, McKellan is a homosexual British actor, who spent his early career in the theater, and ultimately started a career in Hollywood.
This movie was shot in 24 days. Filming began on June 30, 1997, in Pasadena, California. Principal photography was completed on July 28, 1997.