Julianne Hough certainly feels alive on the big screen.

Eight years after her last starring film role, the Dancing With the Stars host is ready to make her return to movie acting with Maggie Gyllenhaal’s upcoming film The Bride!, a reimagining of Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel Frankenstein and the 1935 film The Bride of Frankenstein. And for Julianne, having the chance to join the cast was a thrill. 

“It was amazing,” she shared with Deadline at the film’s London premiere in a video posted to X Feb. 26. “I honestly couldn’t imagine a different project.”

“This was truly iconic in so many ways,” the 37-year-old continued, “and the fact that I got to be a part of Maggie’s vision—this message of feminism through empowerment and rock and roll punk. I just think it’s so incredible, and she’s just such an amazing director.”

Julianne was particularly excited to see the final product on screen, especially because she appears in a movie within The Bride! and “didn’t really participate in the actual film,” adding, “ I’m having a new experience with all of you as well.”