Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein brings a fresh adaptation of Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel, focusing on a scientist’s haunting quest to create life. Premiering on Netflix this November, this version explores the tragic consequences of Victor Frankenstein’s obsession with controlling life, raising the timeless question of
“Who is the monster, and who is the man?”
The Guillermo del Toro Frankenstein cast is composed of renowned actors, promising a captivating retelling of this classic horror tale.
A New Face for Victor Frankenstein: Oscar Isaac’s Complex Portrayal
Oscar Isaac stars as Victor Frankenstein, the driven scientist whose groundbreaking experiments unleash devastating consequences. Born in Guatemala and raised in the United States, Isaac studied acting at Juilliard before gaining recognition through diverse roles spanning independent films and major franchises. His breakthrough came with 2013’s Inside Llewyn Davis, followed by appearances in Marvel, Star Wars, and Dune.
Isaac’s Victor Frankenstein embodies intelligence and determination but is also marked by deep flaws, including cowardice and a bitter resentment toward his creation. This characterization aligns closely with Shelley’s original depiction of Frankenstein as a tragic figure whose creation ultimately leads both to ruin.
Jacob Elordi’s Challenging Role as Frankenstein’s Monster
Jacob Elordi takes on the demanding role of Frankenstein’s Monster, stepping in after Andrew Garfield’s departure. Born in Australia in 1997, Elordi gained fame through Netflix’s The Kissing Booth series and HBO’s Euphoria, earning a reputation as a Gen Z heartthrob. More recently, he has earned critical praise for performances in films like Saltburn and Priscilla.
Unlike many past interpretations, Elordi’s monster is intelligent and deeply emotional, reflecting the nuanced character in Shelley’s novel who wrestles with alienation and vengeance. This role challenges Elordi to move beyond his usual charm and portray a being consumed by hatred for his creator.
Mia Goth Enriches the Role of Elizabeth Lavenza
Mia Goth plays Elizabeth Lavenza, Victor Frankenstein’s fiancée who serves as his emotional anchor amid the turmoil of his scientific obsessions. Born in London in 1993, Goth began her acting career in 2013 with a role in Lars von Trier’s Nymphomaniac and has since appeared in films such as A Cure for Wellness and the X trilogy by Ti West. She is also slated to star in Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film The Odyssey in 2026.
Elizabeth’s relationship with Victor has evolved through various adaptations, with Shelley’s revised edition casting her as his adopted sister rather than cousin. Goth is expected to add new emotional depth to this iconic character, highlighting the support and suffering Elizabeth endures.
Ensemble Cast Filling Out the Frankenstein World
The Guillermo del Toro Frankenstein cast is rounded out by a lineup of experienced actors portraying key supporting roles, enriching the story with fresh dynamics and new characters.
Christoph Waltz portrays Harlander, a wealthy arms merchant and Victor’s patron, a character not present in the original novel but introduced to expand the story’s scope. Waltz is celebrated for his Oscar-winning performances in Inglourious Basterds and Django Unchained.
Ralph Ineson plays Professor Krempe, a natural philosophy professor who taught Victor during his university years. Krempe is an influential yet disturbed figure regarding Victor’s dangerous experimentation. Ineson’s past work includes horror films like The Witch and Nosferatu, and a recent debut as Galactus in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Charles Dance takes on the role of Leopold Frankenstein, Victor’s father with a name altered from the novel’s Alphonse. In Shelley’s narrative, the father symbolizes kindness and stands in stark contrast to Victor’s harsh relationship with his creation. Dance is widely known for his portrayal of Tywin Lannister in Game of Thrones.
Another notable casting choice is Lars Mikkelsen as Captain Anderson, a character possibly substituting the explorer Robert Walton from the novel, who frames the story by recounting Victor’s tale. Mikkelsen has gained recognition for voicing and portraying Grand Admiral Thrawn in Ahsoka and Star Wars Rebels.
Burn Gorman fills the role of Fritz, Frankenstein’s assistant, inspired by the hunchback figure introduced in an 1823 play and commonly analogized to the archetypal Igor. Gorman’s body of work includes memorable appearances in The Dark Knight Rises, Pacific Rim, and Beetlejuice.
David Bradley, known internationally as Argus Filch from Harry Potter and Walder Frey from Game of Thrones, assumes the character of Blind Man, whose role in the film remains somewhat undefined but hints at a compelling presence.
Felix Kammerer portrays William Frankenstein, Victor’s youngest brother whose tragic death at the hands of the monster marks a pivotal moment of loss and revenge. Kammerer, a German actor, earned acclaim for his lead role in the 2022 film All Quiet on the Western Front.
Lauren Collins and Christian Convery appear as Claire Frankenstein and young Victor, respectively, while Nikolaj Lie Kaas and Joachim Fjelstrup round out the cast with roles as Chief Officer Larsen and Dr. Udsen. Peter Millard portrays Professor Stokeld, another supporting figure linked to the academic world around Victor.
Guillermo del Toro’s Vision and the Adaptation’s Significance
Guillermo del Toro is widely regarded as a director uniquely suited to retelling Frankenstein’s story, given his talent for blending horror with deep emotional narratives, as seen in The Shape of Water. His approach promises a reflection on humanity and monstrosity that goes beyond traditional horror, highlighting the tragic consequences of obsession and alienation.
This adaptation also brings crucial changes such as the introduction of new characters like Harlander and alterations in family dynamics, reinforcing del Toro’s vision of the Frankenstein mythos as a modern yet faithful exploration. The carefully curated ensemble cast, including Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, and Mia Goth, alongside seasoned actors like Christoph Waltz and Charles Dance, ensures a rich and intense narrative experience.
As the film debuts on Netflix, it is poised to reignite interest in Shelley’s timeless work while offering a fresh perspective on the enduring themes of creation, responsibility, and identity. Fans of horror, literature, and high-caliber performances will find much to anticipate in this thoughtfully crafted revival of Frankenstein’s tale.
