Andrew Garfield’s unexpected departure from Guillermo del Toro’s highly anticipated Frankenstein film stunned fans, igniting widespread speculation about Why Andrew Garfield left Frankenstein movie just before filming began. The sudden exit, rooted in industry upheavals, reshaped the movie’s casting and left audiences eager for explanations.
Production Delays and Hollywood Strikes Lead to Garfield’s Departure
Andrew Garfield was cast for a central role in Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, a film already generating intense buzz thanks to its blend of gothic visuals and del Toro’s distinct directorial touch. However, Garfield stepped away quietly as production neared, with neither dramatic statements nor public controversy marking his exit. The timing coincided with the 2023 Hollywood strikes, which caused long, industry-wide delays, disrupting meticulously planned filming schedules. Even though Garfield was reportedly eager for the role, these external factors upended his ability to continue, leading to an unavoidable scheduling conflict.
For fans who saw Garfield’s collaboration with del Toro as a perfect fit, the decision was difficult to process. The heart of the issue was purely logistical, not influenced by creative disagreements or on-set drama. The tumult within the industry during the strikes left actors, directors, and productions scrambling to adjust, and Garfield’s farewell from the project exemplified the collateral consequences of an industry in flux. As a result, Frankenstein’s production team moved rapidly to fill the void left behind.
Following Garfield’s exit, Jacob Elordi, widely recognized for his performances in Euphoria and Priscilla, was chosen to embody the Creature. His brooding intensity and imposing presence swiftly caught public attention, offering a fresh, intriguing direction for the iconic character and generating new buzz around the casting decision. Del Toro’s vision for Frankenstein demanded strong performances for its complex, haunted roles, and Elordi’s quick replacement demonstrated both the demands and resilience of big-budget Hollywood filmmaking under pressure.
Andrew Garfield Reflects on Stepping Away
In a candid interview with Deadline, Garfield openly acknowledged his disappointment at leaving Frankenstein behind. He expressed genuine regret, revealing that the decision wasn’t taken lightly, and that losing the opportunity to work on a del Toro project left a significant mark. Garfield also recalled an encounter with Jacob Elordi in Marrakesh, where he learned firsthand how rewarding stepping into the Creature’s role had become for Elordi. The depth of Garfield’s feelings underscored just how rare and coveted such roles are in contemporary cinema, especially when directed by someone like del Toro. He admitted,
“I’m disappointed.”
—Andrew Garfield, Actor
This brief yet vulnerable admission captured both the emotional cost of stepping away from a potentially career-defining project and the continued respect and goodwill Garfield harbored for his replacement. While many actors distance themselves from roles they cannot complete, Garfield’s reaction resonated with fans who had already envisioned him bringing new life to Mary Shelley’s legendary monster.
Star-Studded Cast Brings New Energy to Frankenstein
Despite Garfield’s exit, Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein boasts an impressive cast, bringing together formidable talents from across film and television. Oscar Isaac headlines the ensemble as Dr. Victor Frankenstein. Known for probing, psychologically complex performances in recent works like Moon Knight and Ex Machina, Isaac is expected to infuse his portrayal with nuance, emotional depth, and vulnerability, capturing both the brilliance and tragedy fuelling the doctor’s obsession.
Mia Goth, who has emerged as a defining figure in modern horror through her roles in Pearl and Infinity Pool, is cast as Elizabeth, the emotional core and beloved partner of Victor Frankenstein. Goth’s experience in exploring characters grappling with chaos and existential crisis aligns with del Toro’s dark, atmospheric storytelling style. Her presence ensures that the film’s emotional landscape is just as rich and layered as its visuals.
Jacob Elordi’s transformation from breakout heartthrob to the Creature signals a defiant break from traditional depictions of Frankenstein’s monster. Elordi’s imposing height and introspective screen presence suggest a more haunting, subtle approach, building anticipation for how del Toro and Elordi will reinterpret the classic figure. Other members of the cast include Christoph Waltz, who brings expertise from projects like Inglourious Basterds, and Felix Kammerer, acclaimed for his performance in All Quiet on the Western Front. Their involvement elevates the production, assuring audiences that the film will not lack in either gravitas or range.
This potent combination of talent—spanning established stars and rising actors—has turned Frankenstein into a major cinematic event, not just another release on Netflix’s slate.
Netflix Release Date Set for 2025
Guillermo del Toro’s adaptation of Frankenstein is scheduled to premiere on Netflix in November 2025, capitalizing on the autumnal mood with a story perfectly suited for moody nights and introspective viewing. While a precise launch date has not yet been announced, Netflix has already released a teaser at the Tudum event, stoking excitement and speculation without revealing significant plot details. The teaser showcased del Toro’s signature blend of haunting aesthetics, atmospheric darkness, and emotional complexity, affirming that this take on the classic tale will be anything but conventional.
The film’s release slots it strategically for fall audiences, leveraging the chilling themes of Shelley’s original story alongside del Toro’s penchant for visual and emotional depth. As anticipation builds, viewing parties and online discussion have already begun to form among fans of gothic horror, del Toro’s unique cinematic language, and the film’s extensive cast.
What Garfield’s Exit Means for the Film and Fans
The question of Why Andrew Garfield left Frankenstein movie continues to linger among fans and within industry circles, symbolizing the unpredictable disruptions faced by productions during the 2023 Hollywood strikes. While Garfield’s individualized disappointment adds a personal dimension to the transition, the film’s momentum remains undiminished. Jacob Elordi’s introduction and Oscar Isaac’s involvement, along with support from experienced actors like Mia Goth, Christoph Waltz, and Felix Kammerer, have ensured that del Toro’s Frankenstein remains one of the most talked-about projects in recent years.
As the release date approaches, intrigue over Garfield’s missed opportunity and Elordi’s new interpretation only intensifies the sense of anticipation. Guilllermo del Toro’s vision, paired with the assembled powerhouse cast, promises a retelling of Frankenstein that is likely to challenge audience expectations, redefine the monster mythos, and make a lasting mark on both genre cinema and streaming culture.
