Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro has unveiled the first trailer for his highly anticipated adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic novel “Frankenstein.” The film stars Jacob Elordi as Frankenstein’s monster, Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein, and Mia Goth as Victor’s fiancée Elizabeth Lavenza. The trailer, which debuted during a Netflix event showcasing upcoming projects, promises a chilling and visually stunning take on the beloved tale. Del Toro expressed his deep connection to the source material and its author, Mary Shelley, stating that she has remained an important figure in his life, like family.
Isaac revealed that del Toro personally approached him for the role of Victor Frankenstein, and he described his experience on set as a “banquet of acting opportunities.” Goth added that the film is not just a horror movie but also an incredibly epic, emotional, and deeply personal story that has been a part of del Toro’s life since he was a boy. Although Elordi could not attend the event, his presence was felt through new footage that featured his portrayal of the Monster. Isaac described Elordi’s character as “heartbreaking” and praised his performance, while Goth complimented the makeup team’s work on Elordi’s character.
Fans of del Toro’s work will note plenty of familiar imagery in the new teaser, from Isaac’s Victor standing on a decaying staircase holding a candelabra to a blood-red angelic figure surrounded in flames.
del Toro’s lifelong passion project
The teaser promises Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, filtered through the lens of Guillermo del Toro on the grandest canvas imaginable.
“Frankenstein” continues del Toro’s tradition of transforming monster stories into cinematic prestige, a journey that has previously earned him significant acclaim. His films “Pan’s Labyrinth” and “The Shape of Water” have both garnered multiple Academy Awards, with “The Shape of Water” winning best picture and best director. This Frankenstein project highlights del Toro’s ongoing collaboration with Netflix, a partnership that recently scored an Oscar for best animated feature with “Pinocchio” in 2023.
The filmmaker has long harbored a desire to create a Frankenstein film, and his passion for Shelley’s work is clearly reflected in this adaptation. “Frankenstein” promises to be another monumental entry in del Toro’s celebrated career, blending deep emotional storytelling with the eerie and the fantastical. Fans can expect a dramatic and character-driven retelling of the classic story when it hits Netflix this November.
