Robert Eggers Wanted To Adapt ‘Frankenstein’ But Quit After Two Weeks: “Sometimes You Know You’ve Got A Dud”

In the eyes of many film fans and critics, Robert Eggers is now four-for-four with the start of his filmmaking career. So far, he can do no wrong. Not only that, but many believe he’s just getting better with time, as is witnessed in his adaptation of “Nosferatu.” But that doesn’t mean the filmmaker is immune to making mistakes, as he explains regarding his failed attempt to adapt “Frankenstein.” 

Speaking in a recent interview with Curzon, Robert Eggers talked about his career, up to this point, as well as projects he attempted but didn’t actually happen. One of those failed projects was an adaptation of Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein.” 

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The filmmaker said he was inspired to attempt an adaptation after the birth of his son. He clearly was inspired by this idea of bringing life into the world and wanted to showcase that with a new take on “Frankenstein.” After working on it for a couple of weeks, he realized that perhaps it was not a good idea.

“Sometimes you know you’ve got a dud,” said Eggers. “I’m super excited for Guillermo del Toro’s ‘Frankenstein.’ But when my son was born, I had an unconscious urge to do ‘Frankenstein.’ After two weeks, I was like, ‘There’s no way I can do this.’ So I’m glad Guillermo is finally making his [version].”

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The idea of a Robert Eggers “Frankenstein” sounds like a no-brainer. It’s the exact type of story that fits in with “The Witch” filmmaker’s filmography. However, it sounds as if his take on the subject just wasn’t good enough for him, which is a bit sad. Fans would have loved to see his take on the classic monster story.

Of course, he’s not wrong—it’s great that Guillermo del Toro is working on his own version of the story. If we can’t get an Eggers take, then a del Toro film on the subject is most definitely a welcome treat. We’ll just have to wait and see what angle del Toro takes for his film, which is expected to arrive at some point in 2025. 

You can watch the full interview below: