Guillermo del Toro, the celebrated filmmaker known for his distinctive visual style and powerful storytelling, is preparing to release his long-anticipated adaptation of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Set to debut on Netflix in November 2025, this film promises to be more than just another horror tale; it seeks to explore the depths of humanity, emotion, and personal loss.
The film features a star-studded cast, with Oscar Isaac taking on the role of Dr. Victor Frankenstein, Jacob Elordi portraying the creature, Mia Goth as Elizabeth, and Christoph Waltz as Dr. Pretorius. This intriguing ensemble aims to bring new life and perspective to Shelley's classic narrative.
Del Toro's connection to Frankenstein runs deep, having thought about this project since childhood. "This movie has been on my mind since I was a child, for fifty years. I have been trying to make it for 20 or 25 years. Some people might think I'm a little obsessed with Frankenstein... and they would probably be right," he shared during the recent Next on Netflix event. His fascination is not just with the story, but with its potential to serve as a lens for his own experiences and feelings of grief.
According to del Toro, the image of Frankenstein and the storyline have merged with his soul over the decades, making it feel autobiographical. He expressed, "The character has merged with my soul to such an extent it has become autobiographical. There’s nothing more personal than this." This personal touch gives the film its unique edge and sets it apart from other adaptations, which often lean heavily on horror elements.
Producer J. Miles Dale elaborated on the film's themes, noting, "We’ve dealt with the father-son relationship. Guillermo and I lost our fathers in recent years. When you have a strong father figure, it’s part of our lives. This version delves deeply within this theme... It is exciting, and the script is very emotional." This relationship will provide the backbone for much of the film's narrative, amplifying its depth beyond typical genre confines.
The first official image from the film has generated significant excitement among fans. It depicts Oscar Isaac dressed in 19th-century attire—dark vest and white shirt—holding what appears to be a mysterious cylindrical object, likely representing his scientific ambitions. This moment captures Isaac's character during the dramatic endeavor of bringing life to the lifeless, surrounded by other characters who represent the scholarly skepticism of his experiments.
While the details of the creature's look have yet to be fully revealed, early glimpses suggest Jacob Elordi's portrayal will be both visually arresting and driven by deep emotional currents. Reports indicate he has been crafted with long black hair, gray skin, and glowing red eyes, hinting at the complex drama hidden within this otherwise monstrous appearance.
Oscar Isaac's performance is particularly awaited, as he is no stranger to embodying nuanced characters. His previous roles has proven his ability to navigate both action and emotional depth, setting high expectations for fans. Alongside him, the formidable Christoph Waltz, known for his captivating roles, will likely bring another level of gravitas to the story.
Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein marks another step forward in his fruitful collaboration with Netflix, which has previously produced successful projects like Pinocchio and the anthology series Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities. Del Toro’s ability to create lush visuals and layered storytelling has endeared him to audiences worldwide, and expectations are high for this release.
Overall, Frankenstein is posed to reimagine Mary Shelley’s classic tale through the lens of del Toro’s personal experiences, blending artistry with storytelling. The project promises to be not just terrifying, but deeply moving, providing not just scares, but also insights on loss, responsibility, and what it means to be human.
With its scheduled release set for November 2025, fans of del Toro and the gothic horror genre alike are marking their calendars and eagerly awaiting what is sure to be another visually stunning and emotionally impactful film from one of cinema’s modern masters.