Guillermo del Toro‘s upcoming Frankenstein adaptation, set for release in 2025, stands as one of the most anticipated films next year. To truly resonate with audiences, the film must lean heavily on Guillermo del Toro practical effects, staying true to the director’s established style of bringing monsters to life with tangible craftsmanship.
Following his collaboration with Netflix on Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, del Toro returns to the streaming platform to reimagine another classic tale. This time, he offers a faithful adaptation of Mary Shelley’s original Frankenstein novel, promising to infuse the story with his distinct creative vision.
The Importance of Using Practical Effects for Frankenstein’s Monster
Central to the success of del Toro’s Frankenstein will be the creature design, particularly how Frankenstein’s monster is realized on screen. Since the monster is the primary creature in the story, relying on practical effects is critical for capturing its presence authentically. Del Toro’s previous films like The Shape of Water, Pan’s Labyrinth, and the Hellboy series showcase his ability to craft memorable monsters through practical makeup and prosthetics, so expectations remain high for this project.
These earlier works reflect del Toro’s strength in creating creatures that feel real and grounded, even when fantastical. Considering that the monster in Frankenstein is comparatively humanoid, translating Jacob Elordi’s character into a physical, in-camera entity should be achievable and effective with this approach.
Although del Toro often enhances his monster designs with CGI, the foundation of his creatures remains practical. For Frankenstein’s monster, focusing primarily on makeup and physical effects, with digital elements reserved for gore or complex enhancements, would best preserve the tactile quality that defines del Toro’s films.
The role of Jacob Elordi as Frankenstein’s monster adds excitement, despite limited glimpses in trailers. Given del Toro’s track record of avoiding fully CGI main characters—Pacific Rim being a notable exception—it is reasonable to anticipate that Frankenstein’s creature will be mostly practical. If this expectation is not met, it could diminish the magic that del Toro’s creatures usually bring.
Key Cast Members Bringing the Story to Life
The film’s cast features Oscar Isaac portraying Victor Frankenstein, with Jacob Elordi embodying the monster. Mia Goth, Christoph Waltz as Dr. Pretorius, and Felix Kammerer as William also round out the ensemble. Several other notable actors like Ralph Ineson contribute to the supporting cast, enhancing expectations for a robust and engaging adaptation.
The involvement of these actors, combined with del Toro’s vision and use of practical effects, aims to deliver a fresh, immersive retelling of the classic horror story.
By championing Guillermo del Toro practical effects, this Frankenstein film is poised to capture the eerie fairy tale feeling found in del Toro’s best works, offering fans a monster that is as believable as it is haunting. When the film is released, it will be a significant moment for horror cinema, showing the continued relevance and power of practical effects in a largely digital era.
