Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein Gets First Look and Netflix Release Window

On Jan. 30, Netflix treated fans with brand-new details on its upcoming projects, exploring the 2025 slate for TV and film. Among them, it was also del Toro's upcoming Frankenstein, which boasts a star-studded cast. Netflix revealed the first look at the titular scientist and that it will premiere on the platform in November this year.

In the still released, Oscar Isaac sports longer, curlier hair, and holds a mysterious dial as he holds a speech in front of several other men. Del Toro officially confirmed in early October that Frankenstein had officially wrapped production. Following the success of 2022's Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio, the Academy Award-winning director partnered again with Netflix for his new take on the famous Universal monster, which is based on Mary Shelley's novel. Their partnership also included the anthology series Cabinet of Curiosities, Trollhunters: Rise of the Titans, and Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia.

"This film has been on my mind since I was a child — for fifty years," del Toro explained in a pre-recorded message shown during Netflix's Next on Netflix event, via Variety. "I’ve been trying to make it for 20 to 25 years."

I’ve been trying to make it for 20 to 25 years.

He explained, "In fact, some people may even think I am a little bit obsessed with Frankenstein. And they probably would be right. You see, over the decades, the character has fused with my soul in a way that it has become an autobiography. It doesn’t get more personal than this. I hope you enjoy this small look at Frankenstein."

The outlet adds that the teaser shows Isaac's Victor Frankenstein facing Mia Goth's character, also introducing a glimpse at Jacob Elordi as Frankenstein's monster, towering over Dr. Frankenstein's bed. The film also stars Christoph Waltz, Felix Kammerer, Lars Mikkelsen, Charles Dance, Ralph Ineson, Christian Convery, and David Bradley.

Frankenstein's Reboot Comes at a Good Moment for Universal's Dark Monsters

Universal's Dark Monsters, which include characters like The Mummy, Wolf Man, The Invisible Man, and more, have been adapted many times in the last century, both in TV and film. Frankenstein alone has received multiple adaptations, including 1994's Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, starring Kenneth Branagh, who directed the film and starred alongside Robert De Niro, and 2015's Victor Frankenstein, starring James McAvoy and Daniel Radcliffe, among others.

Universal had a plan for a bigger franchise called the Dark Universe that would function similarly to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Unfortunately, the plans were canceled after 2017's The Mummy. However, since then, several films have proven that, with the right direction, the Dark Universe might succeed.

In 2020, horror vet Leigh Whannell worked with Blumhouse for The Invisible Man, which was a huge success. Unfortunately, the film's popularity didn't translate to his latest attempt at a Universal Monster, as his Wolf Man failed to impress, both commercially and critically. At the same time, although not a part of Universal Monsters, Robert Eggers' Nosferatu, which is based on Dracula, which is one of the Universal Monsters, proved a gothic horror could have success.

Guillermo del Toro's upcoming Frankenstein can prove that in November when it premieres on Netflix.

Source: Netflix, Variety