Given the countless adaptations of “Frankenstein” over the decades—dating back to the iconic 1931 Universal film starring Boris Karloff—it’s reasonable to ask whether there’s anything new left to say about Mary Shelley’s seminal tale. With so many versions already committed to screen, what could Academy Award-winning filmmaker Guillermo del Toro possibly bring to the table that hasn’t already been explored?
As it turns out, quite a lot.
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For del Toro, this isn’t just another horror remake—it’s a deeply personal labor of love. Speaking recently at a Netflix event, the director emphasized how intimately connected he is to the material:
“This film has been on my mind since I was a child, for fifty years. I’ve been trying to make it for 20 to 25 years. In fact, some people may even think I am a little bit obsessed with ‘Frankenstein’… and they probably would be right. You see, over the decades, the character has fused with my soul in a way that it has become an autobiography. It doesn’t get more personal than this.”
That kind of emotional investment bodes well for a story that has always balanced horror with humanity. With his singular flair for gothic imagery and deep empathy for misunderstood monsters, del Toro appears uniquely suited to offer a fresh vision of “Frankenstein.”
The film features an impressive cast including Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, Mia Goth, Lars Mikkelsen, David Bradley, Christian Convery, Charles Dance, Christoph Waltz, and Felix Kammerer. Del Toro serves as writer, director, and producer, with J. Miles Dale and Scott Stuber also producing. “Frankenstein” is based not only on Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel, but also takes cues from the classic 1931 film and its beloved sequel, “Bride of Frankenstein.”
The plot revisits the iconic story of Dr. Frankenstein, a brilliant but flawed scientist who brings a creature to life in an experiment that dooms both creator and creation. Del Toro’s version adds a twist:
Set in 19th-century Eastern Europe, the film follows Dr. Pretorious (Christoph Waltz), who must track down Frankenstein’s Monster (Jacob Elordi)—long believed to have died in a fire 40 years earlier—in order to carry on the forbidden experiments begun by Dr. Victor Frankenstein (Oscar Isaac).
Coming off the success of “Pinocchio,” which earned del Toro an Oscar for Best Animated Feature, this new take on “Frankenstein” further cements his relationship with Netflix as a creative home. It also continues his exploration of classic tales through a deeply emotional, humanistic lens.
“Frankenstein” debuts on Netflix this November just in time for awards season. Watch the teaser trailer below.
