Sarah Fine has described Of Metal and Wishes as a reimagining of the classic story.
- Slaughterhouse/factory → Opera house: Fine transforms the original theatrical setting into an industrial slaughterhouse.
- Ghost/Phantom → Ghost: A mysterious figure inhabits the hidden spaces beneath the factory and secretly watches over Wen.
- Christine → Wen: The young heroine becomes connected to the mysterious hidden figure.
- Phantom → Ghost figure: The isolated, disfigured/hidden male figure and his fixation on the heroine are adapted from the Phantom concept.
- Romantic triangle: Wen's relationship with Melik adds a second romantic relationship that changes the original dynamic.