Guillermo del Toro’s Reimagining of the Classic Monster: Frankenstein
Few filmmakers possess a passion for monsters as intense as Guillermo del Toro. Renowned for his visionary works such as Cronos, Hellboy, Pan’s Labyrinth, The Shape of Water, and the visually enchanting Pinocchio, del Toro now turns his creative lens toward one of Gothic fiction’s most iconic figures: Frankenstein. However, his interpretation diverges from the traditional image of the lumbering, bolt-necked creature, offering a fresh perspective rooted in myth and morality.
Unveiling the New Frankenstein Project at Tudum 2025
During the highly anticipated Tudum 2025: The Live Event in Los Angeles, Netflix unveiled an array of trailers and sneak peeks for upcoming productions, including the eagerly awaited Wake Up Tiring Man: A Knives Out Thriller and new seasons of hit series like One Fragment, Wednesday, and Stranger Things. Among these, the most captivating was the teaser for Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, a film inspired by Mary Shelley’s groundbreaking 1818 novel. Although an official release date remains unconfirmed, the film is expected to premiere on Netflix sometime in November 2025.
Star-Studded Cast and Artistic Vision
The film features Oscar Isaac in the role of Victor Frankenstein, depicted as a brilliant yet hubristic scientist who pushes the boundaries of morality in his quest to animate life. Jacob Elordi, known for his role in Euphoria, stars as the creature-one of the most recognizable monsters in contemporary pop culture. The trailer echoes del Toro’s signature aesthetic: decaying mansions, dramatic chiaroscuro lighting, and a persistent fascination with the grotesque and the uncanny.
In the trailer, an unidentified voice questions, “What kind of creature is that? What kind of devil could have made him?” To which Victor Frankenstein, portrayed by Isaac, responds with a haunting sense of remorse, “I did.” The scene intensifies as Frankenstein ascends to his rooftop, attempting to harness lightning-an homage to the iconic scene from the original story-while the film’s tagline ominously declares, “ONLY MONSTERS PLAY GOD.” This suggests that the true horror lies not in the creature, but in Frankenstein himself, whose reckless ambition embodies the real monstrosity.
Supporting Cast and Creative Collaborators
Joining Isaac and Elordi are Mia Goth as Elizabeth, Victor’s fiancée, alongside a distinguished ensemble including Christoph Waltz, Lars Mikkelsen, David Bradley, Charles Dance, and Ralph Ineson as Professor Krempe. The film promises a rich tapestry of characters, each contributing to the dark, atmospheric narrative del Toro is known for.
Del Toro’s Longstanding Passion for Frankenstein
Guillermo del Toro has harbored a deep desire to adapt Frankenstein for many years. In a 2007 interview with JoBlo, he expressed his eagerness, stating it was a project he “would kill to make.” The following year, he elaborated in an interview with Empire, revealing his intention to explore the myth beyond its traditional boundaries. “I want to blend elements of Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein,” he explained, “but also to reinterpret the story, not just retell the classic monster myth. The most compelling moments of the novel are yet to be brought to the screen.”
Persistent Dreams and Creative Challenges
Despite numerous setbacks-including the troubled development of the Dark Universe-del Toro’s vision persisted. In 2016, he reflected on his enduring passion, telling Den of Geek, “Frankenstein is the pinnacle of everything I love about storytelling. I’ve wanted to make this film for over 25 years, but fear of failure and the weight of expectation have held me back. Still, I dream of creating the greatest Frankenstein adaptation ever.”
Recognition and Inspiration
His dedication was publicly acknowledged when, in 2018, del Toro accepted the BAFTA Award for Best Director for The Shape of Water. During his acceptance speech, he paid homage to Mary Shelley, describing her as a figure of immense influence in his life. “The most important literary figure for me is Mary Shelley,” he said. “Her work continues to inspire me, especially during moments when I feel like giving up. Her legacy reminds me that storytelling is a powerful force, and I carry her spirit with me in every project.”
Conclusion: A Dream Realized
After decades of aspiration, Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein is finally coming to fruition, promising a fresh, psychologically complex take on the classic tale. With a compelling cast, a visionary director, and a narrative that promises to challenge traditional notions of monstrosity, this film is poised to redefine how we perceive the legendary scientist and his creation. As the story unfolds, it will undoubtedly explore themes of hubris, morality, and the true nature of monstrosity-topics as relevant today as they were in Shelley’s time.
