Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein: A Heartfelt Journey, Not a Horror Movie

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Summary

  • Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein film is an emotional tale about relationships, not a horror movie.
  • The star-studded cast includes Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, and Mia Goth.
  • Fans were surprised by del Toro’s non-horror approach to adapting Mary Shelley’s classic novel.

In the autumn of 2025, Guillermo del Toro’s film adaptation of Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” is scheduled for release on Netflix, and there has been some intriguing yet slightly puzzling news about its narrative direction. The forthcoming American Gothic movie, penned and helmed by del Toro himself, follows the storyline from Shelley’s 1818 novel, with a focus on Dr. Pretorious’ journey across Europe in pursuit of the Monster believed to have perished in a fire 40 years earlier.

The upcoming movie will boast a high-profile ensemble cast, featuring actors such as Oscar Isaac (known for “Moon Knight”), Jacob Elordi (“Saltburn”), Mia Goth (“X” film series), Felix Kammerer (“All Quiet on the Western Front” from 2022), Lars Mikkelsen (“House of Cards”), David Bradley (“Game of Thrones” and “Harry Potter”), Charles Dance (“Game of Thrones”), and Christoph Waltz (“The French Dispatch”). Guillermo del Toro has long harbored a passion for bringing “Frankenstein” to the big screen since 2007, expressing that he would be willing to make the film. He envisioned it as a somber interpretation of the Miltonian tragedy. Del Toro also took inspiration from Bernie Wrightson’s illustrations of “Frankenstein” for this project and clarified that the movie would not strictly follow Mary Shelley’s novel, but instead offer an exciting narrative that revolves around the creature. Contrary to expectations, del Toro has confirmed that the film will not primarily focus on horror elements as initially presumed by fans.

Guillermo Del Toro Says His Frankenstein Adaptation Is Not a ‘Horror Film’

2025 saw Guillermo del Toro, renowned for movies like Hellboy, The Shape of Water, and Pan’s Labyrinth, take to the stage at Cannes Film Festival (as reported by Variety). Delighting fans with a glimpse into his future project, Frankenstein, he hinted that it would be quite different from what horror enthusiasts might expect. Contrary to many of its predecessors, this interpretation of the 1818 novel wouldn’t be a horror film per se. Instead, del Toro described it as an emotionally resonant tale, focusing on the intricate dynamics of relationships, particularly those between fathers and sons. The story also explores society’s treatment of misunderstood beings, a theme close to the director’s heart.

A few days ago, someone inquired about whether the story contains frightening moments. For the first time, I pondered upon this query. To me, it’s an intensely emotional narrative, extremely close to my heart. It delves into questions of fatherhood, sonship… I assure you, I will never make a horror film.

The other day someone asked if the story has scary parts. For the first time, I thought about it. To me, it’s a deeply personal tale, exploring themes like being a parent and a child. Rest assured, I don’t plan on making a horror movie.

In response to DiscussingFilm’s post about del Toro’s interpretation of “Frankenstein,” some fans found themselves puzzled as they had assumed it would be a horror film. One fan remarked, “So Frankenstein isn’t a horror movie? I see,” while another commented, “That Frankenstein is not making a horror movie… quite intriguing.” A third fan was particularly perplexed, stating, “Even del Toro sees Frankenstein as a father, a son, and a soul yearning for affection, not fear. It’s surprising that he would choose this narrative path instead of the traditional horror route.” However, it’s important to remember that Mary Shelley’s original novel was less about terror and more about exploring the darker aspects of human nature and solitude.

Last year in an interview with Total Film, Mai Goth shared her experiences collaborating with Guillermo del Toro on the film “Frankenstein”. She enthusiastically expressed her affection for him, saying, “It’s been fantastic. It’s surpassed all my expectations and then some. I adore Guillermo. I enjoy working with him immensely; he’s an outstanding director, as everyone knows, but he’s also just such a delightful person. Yes, I’m quite looking forward to it.

Frankenstein is currently slated to premiere on Netflix this November.

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2025-05-19 17:24