Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein: A Comprehensive Overview
- Featuring acclaimed actors Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi in leading roles
- The highly anticipated film is set to premiere on November 7, 2025
- An official trailer showcases a striking array of visual elements
The recently unveiled trailer for Frankenstein, Guillermo del Toro’s cinematic adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic horror tale, has reinforced the director’s status as a master of gothic horror storytelling.
Gothic horror has a long and storied tradition in film, from Murnau’s Nosferatu to Amenábar’s The Others, and it is poised for a revival in 2025. Del Toro, known for his visually rich narratives in films like Pan’s Labyrinth and The Shape of Water, takes the helm on a unique retelling of Frankenstein for Netflix, which many believe could become one of the streaming service’s standout offerings.
The gothic genre has seen a renaissance in recent years, with works including Guadagnino’s Suspiria and Eggers’ Nosferatu leading the charge. New entries like Emerald Fennell’s Saltburn and Yorgos Lanthimos’ Poor Things also tap into this dark aesthetic. Upcoming projects such as Maggie Gyllenhaal’s The Bride and Fennell’s adaptation of Wuthering Heights further emphasize this trend.
This adaptation of Frankenstein represents Del Toro’s third venture with Netflix, following his work on an animated Pinocchio retelling and the horror anthology series Cabinet of Curiosities.
Del Toro is intricately involved in this project, acting not just as the director but also as a co-writer and producer. Here’s everything we know so far about his dark reinterpretation. You can also read about Amazon’s new Carrie series.
Release Date for Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein
The film is scheduled to launch on Netflix on November 7, 2025. Below is a glimpse at the poster, offering an intriguing look at the infamous creature:
Frankenstein has long been a passion for Del Toro, who first expressed interest in adapting the novel in 2008. At that time, he clarified that his version would not be a straightforward retelling but a fresh reinterpretation of Shelley’s story.
“I’m not doing ‘Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.’ I’m creating an adventure story involving the Creature. While I can’t share too much, it will diverge from the creation narrative. This is a project that has haunted me since childhood, and I promise I won’t repeat Kenneth Branagh’s shirtless scenes!”
In a 2022 interview on the Variety Awards Podcast, Del Toro shared insights about the project:
“I’m working on a monster movie and while I can’t disclose the title—since it might change—I have been developing it for a couple of years. We aim to start production early next year.”
Netflix
In October 2023, during a discussion with Collider, Guillermo del Toro officially confirmed his work on Frankenstein:
“Finally, I am doing Frankenstein. We are set to begin shooting in February. This has been a dream of mine for many years, particularly since I watched the original Frankenstein, which led to a life-altering epiphany for me. I feel now, with the skills I’ve gathered over the years, we are ready to take on this project.”
Plot Overview of Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein
Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus, released in 1818, stands as a cornerstone of the gothic literature genre. It emerged from a writing challenge between Shelley and fellow authors Percy Bysshe Shelley, John Polidori, and Lord Byron while they were together in Switzerland.
The story revolves around Victor Frankenstein, a man tormented by the death of his mother, who becomes obsessed with the possibilities of alchemy and modern science. Attempting to forge artificial life using disparate body parts, Victor inadvertently creates a creature that he then abandons in horror upon its awakening.
Netflix
The specifics of Del Toro’s adaptation remain under wraps, but the official description teases the narrative:
“Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro presents Mary Shelley’s timeless story of Victor Frankenstein, a genius but hubristic scientist who brings an entity to existence in a monstrous experiment that ultimately leads to both the creator’s and the creature’s tragic downfall.”
Casting for Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein
The cast is noteworthy, with Oscar Isaac taking on the role of Victor Frankenstein, renowned for his performances in films such as Ex Machina, Inside Llewyn Davis, and Dune. Jacob Elordi portrays the Creature and is acclaimed for his roles in Euphoria, Saltburn, and Priscilla.
Additionally, Mia Goth, known for Ti West’s horror trilogy and the unsettling Infinity Pool, plays Elizabeth Lavenza, the fiancée of Victor’s younger brother.
The film also features:
- Charles Dance (Game of Thrones) as Leopold Frankenstein, Victor’s authoritarian father
- Christoph Waltz (Inglourious Basterds) as Henrich Harlander, Elizabeth’s uncle
- Lauren Collins as Claire Frankenstein, Victor’s deceased mother
- Felix Kammerer (All Quiet on the Western Front) as William Frankenstein, Victor’s younger sibling
- Lars Mikkelsen (Sherlock, The Witcher) as Captain Anderson
- Ralph Ineson as Professor Krempe
- David Bradley (Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, and the Harry Potter series) as the Blind Man
- Burn Gorman as Fritz
Trailer Availability for Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein
Yes! The official trailer for the highly anticipated Frankenstein film is now available:
The trailer debuted at Netflix Tudum 2025: The Live Event.
Del Toro’s directorial works are renowned for their striking visual storytelling that intertwines grotesque imagery with beautiful artistry. He is known for integrating fairy tale elements into gothic narratives, often rich with religious symbolism and mythical motifs. His preference for practical effects adds a distinctive texture to his films.
With this project, and given the trailer’s striking visual style, expectations are high for more forthcoming glimpses into this extraordinary vision.
