Guillermo Del Toro’s Highly Anticipated Frankenstein Hits Theaters October 17, Streams on Netflix November 7

Guillermo Del Toro will be gracing fans with a classic remake of Frankenstein. Let’s be honest here – when was the last time Hollywood surprised us with an original idea? Well, we’re not getting one this time either. Guillermo del Toro is diving headfirst into yet another adaptation of Mary Shelley’s 1818 classic, Frankenstein. But before you roll your eyes and mutter “not again,” this might be worth your time and money.

Guillermo Del Toro is Remaking 1818 Classic Frankenstein

Unlike some recent casting disasters that shall remain nameless (looking at you, every Netflix original),  Del Toro has assembled a cast of Frankenstein that doesn’t make you question his sanity. Oscar Isaac steps into the lab coat as Victor Frankenstein, and honestly, if anyone can make a mad scientist seem both brilliant and tragically flawed, it’s Isaac. The man could read a grocery list and make it emotionally devastating.

Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein: Jacob Elordi, Mia Goth, and a Strange Twist from the Director

Jacob Elordi takes on the challenging role of Frankenstein’s creation – and no, we’re not calling him “the monster” because that hurts feelings now. Elordi’s got the physical presence for it, standing at a towering 6’5″, which means he won’t need stilts or CGI magic to look imposing. Mia Goth joins the movie as Elizabeth, Victor’s fiancée, bringing her intensity that’s captivating. Rounding out the main cast for Frakenstein is Christoph Waltz as Harlander, Victor’s wealthy patron, because every mad scientist needs a sugar daddy, apparently. 

Here’s where things get interesting, and by interesting, I mean strange. Del Toro recently stood up at the Cannes Film Festival and declared, “I’m not doing a horror movie — ever.” Wait, what? This is the guy who gave us Pan’s Labyrinth, The Shape of Water, and Crimson Peak. Saying he’s done with horror is like Gordon Ramsay saying he’s done with yelling – technically possible, but highly unlikely.

Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein: A Faithful, Emotional Reimagining of the Classic Tale

Instead, del Toro insists this Frankenstein is deeply personal, exploring themes of fatherhood and the complex relationship between creator and creation. “I’m asking a question about being a father, being a son,” he explained. So we’re getting family therapy disguised as a monster movie? Sure, why not? Thank goodness, because we’ve all suffered through enough “reimaginings” that completely miss the point of the source material.

Del Toro’s career trajectory has been fascinating to watch. He started in pure horror with films like Cronos and The Devil’s Backbone, then evolved into creating dark fairy tales and parables. His Frankenstein seems positioned to blend all these elements – horror, fantasy, and deep emotional storytelling. Unlike recent loose interpretations that barely resemble Shelley’s original work, del Toro promises a more faithful adaptation. 

The film represents everything we love about del Toro’s work – visual mastery, emotional depth, and just enough weirdness to keep things interesting. So yes, it’s another Frankenstein adaptation. But when it’s coming from one of cinema’s most visually gifted storytellers, maybe that’s precisely what we need right now. Whether he’s creating monsters, fairy tale creatures, or questioning the nature of humanity itself, the man knows how to craft a story that sticks with you long after the credits roll.