Netflix has confirmed that Guillermo del Toro’s highly anticipated Frankenstein will receive a theatrical release before it becomes available for streaming this fall. This decision follows strong fan demand for the film to be shown on the big screen, honoring its scale and ambition.
Scheduled Dates for Theater and Streaming Debuts
The gothic horror film will open in select cinemas starting October 17, ahead of its global streaming launch on Netflix on November 7. The shift in release strategy reflects the response from viewers who insisted a project of this magnitude warranted a traditional theatrical experience.
Del Toro’s Longtime Commitment to Frankenstein
Guillermo del Toro has described Frankenstein as his favorite novel and has spent over a decade developing his unique adaptation. His version aims to include often-overlooked parts of Mary Shelley’s original story, such as the framing story and the journey to the North Pole.
To this day, nobody has made the book,
Del Toro shared with Den of Geek.
Part of me wants to do a version of it, part of me has for more than 25 years chickened out of making it.
—Guillermo del Toro, Director
Plot Overview of the Film
Netflix describes the film as an adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic tale, focusing on Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant yet arrogant scientist who creates a living being through a monstrous experiment. The story explores the tragic consequences for both the creator and his creation.
Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro adapts Mary Shelley’s classic tale of Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant but egotistical scientist who brings a creature to life in a monstrous experiment that ultimately leads to the undoing of both the creator and his tragic creation.
—Netflix official description
Leading Cast Members
The film features a notable cast including Oscar Isaac portraying Victor Frankenstein and Jacob Elordi as the Creature. Mia Goth plays a key role, supported by Felix Kammerer, David Bradley, Lars Mikkelsen, and Christian Convery. Additionally, Charles Dance and Christoph Waltz join the ensemble.
Visual Insights and Promotional Materials
Netflix has shared images highlighting Jacob Elordi as the Creature, wrapped in a scarf and hood, Oscar Isaac delivering a lecture as Victor Frankenstein, and Mia Goth in detailed costume. A teaser trailer offers glimpses of Victor’s experiment and the Creature’s awakening, building anticipation for the film’s release.
Significance of the Release Strategy
Following his Oscar-winning success with Pinocchio, Guillermo del Toro is bringing a dream project to fruition with this adaptation of Frankenstein. Netflix’s decision to include a theatrical release shows an effort to balance the desire for a cinematic experience with the platform’s core streaming approach. This dual-release strategy allows fans to choose how they want to experience del Toro’s vision.
Frankenstein will appear in select theaters on October 17 before officially premiering on Netflix on November 7.
