Guillermo Del Toro’s Ambitious Reimagining of Frankenstein Underway

Renowned filmmaker Guillermo Del Toro has long expressed his admiration for Mary Shelley’s iconic novel, "Frankenstein." Since 2007, he has openly shared his aspiration to create a faithful and tragic adaptation of this timeless tale. In fact, he once remarked that he would "kill" for the opportunity to bring Shelley’s classic to the big screen. However, he admitted to feeling regret for declining Universal’s offer to helm their Monster Universe, which encompasses legendary characters like the Bride of Frankenstein, Dracula, and the Mummy.

In a candid interview with TimesTalks, Del Toro reflected, "I’ve said no to things that are enormous, and I’ve never looked back. The only time I regret not doing something was in 2007, when Universal gently invited me to take the reins of the Monster Universe. I passed, and I regret that decision."

A Long-Awaited Production Finally Begins

After facing numerous delays in production, Del Toro’s Frankenstein adaptation has finally begun filming, with work officially starting on February 12, 2024. Nearly eight months later, the director triumphantly announced via Twitter, "Shooting has been completed on ‘F’ – Joy!!!"

Collaborating with Netflix, Del Toro not only directs the adaptation but also writes the screenplay. He is widely celebrated for his previous works, including the Academy Award-winning "The Shape of Water," which showcases his penchant for integrating fantastical elements with deep emotional narratives. Given his experience with creatures and horror, he is the ideal choice to adapt Shelley’s complex narrative.

In an interview with Collider, he shared, "This is a movie I’ve wanted to make for 50 years since witnessing the first Frankenstein. I’ve had an epiphany; it’s a project requiring a depth of skill and experience I didn’t possess 10–20 years ago. Now, I feel brave or perhaps a little bit crazy, and we’re finally going to tackle it."

Star-Studded Cast Set to Bring the Story to Life

The upcoming Frankenstein film features a talented cast that is sure to captivate audiences when it hits theaters in 2025. Jacob Elordi stars as Frankenstein’s Monster, while Oscar Isaac portrays the ill-fated scientist, Victor Frankenstein. The ensemble also boasts:

• Mia Goth – Known for her roles in "Pearl" and "MaXXXine."
• Christoph Waltz – Acclaimed for his performances in "Inglourious Basterds" and "No Time to Die."
• Felix Kammerer – From "All Quiet on the Western Front."
• Lars Mikkelsen – Seen in "Headhunter" and "House of Cards."
• David Bradley – Recognized for his role as Argus Filch in the "Harry Potter" series.
• Charles Dance – Best known for his presence in "Game of Thrones."
• Ralph Ineson – Famous for his distinctive voice and appearances in "The Office" and "Game of Thrones."
• Christian Convery – A young actor from the "Sweet Tooth" series.

Interestingly, casting for the role of the Monster underwent a significant shift; Andrew Garfield was initially slated for the part but had to withdraw due to scheduling conflicts. Before filming commenced, Del Toro hosted a dinner to unite the majority of the cast, an event that showcased the strong camaraderie.

What to Expect from the New Adaptation of Frankenstein

Del Toro’s film is based on Shelley’s 1818 novel, "Frankenstein, or The Modern Prometheus." It follows Victor Frankenstein, a science student consumed by the ambition to revive the dead. In his quest, he creates a terrifying creature. However, Del Toro assures that this adaptation will not merely retell the original story but will explore the myth in fresh ways.

He emphasized, "What I aim to achieve is a unique interpretation, blending elements of ‘Frankenstein’ and ‘Bride of Frankenstein’ without merely replicating the monster’s classic mythos. The most profound elements of Shelley’s narrative are yet to be translated to film." Although a release date has yet to be confirmed, with filming now concluded, fans can anticipate updated information and, ideally, a trailer in the near future.

As Del Toro breathes new life into this classic tale, audiences can only wait with bated breath to see how he merges horror, humanity, and myth in his interpretation of "Frankenstein."