Netflix‘s upcoming film Frankenstein, written and directed by Guillermo del Toro, has become the director’s second-most costly project to date, with a $120 million budget. Based on Mary Shelley‘s 1818 novel, the story follows Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant but arrogant scientist who creates life through a reckless experiment, triggering tragic consequences for both himself and the creature he brings to life.
The cast for Guillermo del Toro‘s Frankenstein features Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein and Jacob Elordi portraying the monster. The ensemble also includes Mia Goth, two-time Oscar winner Christoph Waltz, Felix Kammerer, Lauren Collins, Lars Mikkelsen, Sofia Galasso, Burn Gorman, Christian Convery, and notable Game of Thrones actors David Bradley, Charles Dance, and Ralph Ineson.
Details on the Film’s Large Budget and Creative Ambitions
In an interview with Variety, Guillermo del Toro revealed that Frankenstein’s budget stands at $120 million, making it the most expensive adaptation of the Frankenstein story ever produced, and the second-largest budget in his career after Pacific Rim, which cost $190 million. He also shared his philosophy on filmmaking budgets:
“It took around 120 days and cost around $120 million. Whatever budget I get, I always say it should look like it cost double. Shape of Water was made for $19.3 million and I wanted it to look like a $50 million movie. Pacific Rim, which cost $190 million, I wanted it to look like $400 million. I think it is my fiduciary duty as a producer, and my artistic duty as a director, to have my ambitions always exceed the budget.” —Guillermo del Toro, Director
This statement highlights del Toro’s drive to leverage the budget thoroughly, aiming to deliver a visual and storytelling experience that exceeds expectations.
The Significance of Netflix’s Investment in Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein
Netflix’s commitment to a $120 million budget signals a strong vote of confidence in Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, both as a commercial venture and a contender for awards consideration. This amount far surpasses the $35 million budget for del Toro’s 2022 animated film Pinocchio, also produced by Netflix, indicating the streamer’s high hopes for this live-action adaptation.
The film’s star-studded lineup, led by Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, Christoph Waltz, and Mia Goth, positions it as a significant release designed to attract a broad audience. Additionally, Netflix plans a limited theatrical release for Frankenstein on October 17, an unusual move for the streaming platform, suggesting further ambitions beyond digital viewership.
Frankenstein is slated to debut at the Venice Film Festival on August 30, a prestigious venue that could generate early awards buzz. Guillermo del Toro brings considerable credentials to this project, having earned six Oscar nominations and winning for Best Picture and Best Director with The Shape of Water, as well as Best Animated Feature Film for Pinocchio. This history increases expectations for both critical and commercial success.
Contextualizing Guillermo del Toro’s Film Budgets Over His Career
A review of Guillermo del Toro’s film budgets illustrates the scale of investment Netflix has made in Frankenstein:
- Cronos (1992): $30 million
- Mimic (1997): $4.5 million
- Blade II (2002): $54 million
- Hellboy (2004): $60–66 million
- Pan’s Labyrinth (2006): €14 million
- Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008): $82.5–85 million
- Pacific Rim (2013): $190 million
- Crimson Peak (2015): $55 million
- The Shape of Water (2017): $19.5–20 million
- Nightmare Alley (2021): $60 million
- Pinocchio (2022): $35 million
- Frankenstein (2025): $120 million
This comparison underscores Frankenstein’s place as one of the most expensive and ambitious projects in del Toro’s repertoire, reflecting its importance both to the director and Netflix.
What This Could Mean for Netflix and Guillermo del Toro
Netflix’s substantial investment in Frankenstein, paired with its choice to provide a limited theatrical run, indicates expectations that the film will be both a blockbuster attraction and a serious contender during awards season. The combination of Mary Shelley’s enduring story, del Toro’s distinctive direction, and the film’s accomplished cast creates a strong platform for widespread appeal.
By premiering at the Venice Film Festival, the film will have an early opportunity to capture critical acclaim and generate momentum for other honors. Given del Toro’s past successes, this adaptation of Frankenstein could mark a landmark moment in both his career and Netflix’s catalog of prestige films.
Overview of the Main Cast in Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein
- Oscar Isaac as Dr. Victor Frankenstein
- Jacob Elordi as The Monster
- Mia Goth as Elizabeth Lavenza
- Christoph Waltz as Dr. Pretorius
This ensemble is expected to bring a dynamic and compelling portrayal of the classic characters from Shelley’s novel, further enhancing the film‘s potential impact.
