Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein: A Gothic Masterpiece in the Making
by Justine Norton-Kertson
For decades, visionary director Guillermo del Toro has dreamed of breathing new life into Frankenstein, Mary Shelley’s enduring tale of ambition, creation, and monstrous consequences. With filming for the project now wrapped, the long-awaited adaptation is steadily inching toward its Netflix debut. Featuring an all-star cast, stunning visuals, and del Toro’s signature touch, this film promises to be one of the most captivating interpretations of Shelley’s work to date.
A Passion Project Years in the Making
Del Toro’s fascination with Frankenstein isn’t new. The director has spoken candidly about his personal connection to the story, calling the monster a figure of deep emotional resonance. “This monster crossing the threshold, this anomaly seemed to embody everything that I thought was ‘wrong’ with me, in a beautiful way,” he shared. For del Toro, Frankenstein is more than a horror story; it’s a deeply personal exploration of identity and belonging.
The journey to realizing this passion project spans decades. Del Toro first discussed his desire to adapt the tale as far back as 2008, and development has meandered through multiple studios before finding a home at Netflix. With the streamer’s backing, del Toro has finally had the resources—and creative freedom—to bring his ambitious vision to life.
A Gothic Vision of Ruin and Beauty
The aesthetic of del Toro’s Frankenstein draws heavily from the Gothic tradition, a genre the filmmaker feels a deep affinity for. “Gothic romance was born partially out of the fascination with ruins,” he told Vanity Fair. “Sometimes they’re more beautiful than the building complete because it’s the clash of creation and destruction.”
This thematic interplay of creation and destruction is mirrored in the film’s settings. Much of the story unfolds in decaying, once-magnificent structures that underscore the tragedy of Frankenstein’s hubris. The laboratory where the monster is born—a scene likely to become iconic—is a haunting blend of grandeur and decay, reflecting the moral and physical ruins of the doctor’s experiments.
A Stellar Cast and Creative Team
Oscar Isaac stars as Dr. Victor Frankenstein, the obsessive genius whose pursuit of forbidden knowledge unleashes a tragic chain of events. Opposite him, Jacob Elordi takes on the role of Frankenstein’s monster, a character as pitiable as he is terrifying. The cast also includes Mia Goth, known for her electrifying performances in horror films, and Christoph Waltz, whose gravitas will undoubtedly add depth to the story.
Behind the camera, del Toro has assembled a top-tier creative team. Cinematographer Dan Laustsen, who previously worked with del Toro on The Shape of Water and Nightmare Alley, is tasked with capturing the film’s moody, atmospheric visuals. The project also draws inspiration from Bernie Wrightson’s iconic illustrations of Frankenstein, which Netflix optioned in 2022. This visual influence is sure to lend the film an otherworldly, almost painterly quality.
A Monster Movie for a New Era
Production for Frankenstein began in February 2024 in Toronto, Canada, and wrapped in October. Del Toro marked the occasion with a celebratory social media post: “Shooting has been completed on ‘F’—Joy!!!” With post-production underway, fans are eagerly awaiting their first glimpse of the film, tentatively titled Prodigal Father. The name suggests a focus on the fraught relationship between Frankenstein and his creation, hinting at a deeply human story beneath the horror.
Del Toro himself views this project as a culmination of his career, a film he couldn’t have made until now. “It’s a movie that requires a lot of growth and a lot of tools that I couldn’t have done 10 years ago, 20 years ago,” he said at a recent event. “Now I’m brave—or crazy—enough.”
A Legacy of Excellence
Del Toro’s collaboration with Netflix has already produced two critically acclaimed projects: the Oscar-winning Pinocchio and the anthology series Cabinet of Curiosities. Both works demonstrate the director’s ability to balance dark, complex themes with emotional depth—an approach perfectly suited to Frankenstein.
With Frankenstein, del Toro is not merely revisiting a classic; he is reinventing it for a modern audience. This adaptation promises to be a visually stunning, emotionally resonant exploration of creation, destruction, and the fragile line between humanity and monstrosity. If his past work is any indication, del Toro’s Frankenstein will not only honor Mary Shelley’s legacy but also carve its own place in cinematic history.
