After experiencing challenges in launching new projects, Guillermo del Toro has enjoyed a strong comeback since winning Academy Awards for his 2017 film The Shape of Water. His latest feature, an adaptation of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, has debuted at major events including the Venice and Toronto International Film Festivals, marking a significant milestone in his career. Now, del Toro is gearing up for his Guillermo del Toro next project: a dark thriller titled Fury, which he previewed during a recent panel discussion.
Reflecting on Frankenstein and Looking Ahead to Fury
During the panel following a Frankenstein screening, del Toro shared how completing the film felt like closing an important chapter in his life. The director has described Frankenstein as a passion project and expressed optimism about what lies ahead. He notably revealed that Fury will revisit the intense thriller style seen in his earlier film Nightmare Alley. Del Toro stated,
“It’s going back to the thriller aspects of Nightmare Alley. It’s very cruel, very violent.”
—Guillermo del Toro, Director
Fury will star Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi, reuniting the duo who played Victor Frankenstein and the Monster respectively in the recent adaptation. As del Toro explores darker themes, he also continues working on ambitious stop-motion projects, building on the critical success of Pinocchio, which earned him an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
The Influences Behind Fury and Its Anticipated Tone
Nightmare Alley, the inspiration del Toro cited for Fury, is a neo-noir psychological thriller based on William Lindsay Gresham’s 1946 novel. The story, previously adapted into a 1947 film by Edmund Goulding, delves into the darker sides of human nature through its complex characters. Del Toro’s version starred Bradley Cooper as Stanton Carlisle and was notable for its intimate, sinister atmosphere. His reference to this earlier film suggests Fury might continue in a similarly intense and intimate vein, moving away from the large-scale productions like Frankenstein.
Given that Frankenstein is set for release on Netflix through del Toro’s first-look deal with the streaming platform, it is likely Fury will follow a similar distribution path. With Frankenstein receiving a limited theatrical release alongside streaming availability, future del Toro projects may see the same approach. Moreover, Netflix titles directed by del Toro have found preservation through boutique Blu-ray labels such as the Criterion Collection, which recently included Nightmare Alley in their catalog.
Key Cast Members Confirmed for Upcoming Thriller
Fury will bring together a strong cast including Oscar Isaac as Dr. Victor Frankenstein and Jacob Elordi portraying the Monster. Supporting roles will feature Mia Goth as Elizabeth Lavenza and Christoph Waltz in the role of Dr. Pretorius. This ensemble highlights del Toro’s ability to attract acclaimed actors to his complex stories, promising layered performances in the new project.
Looking Ahead: The Significance of Fury in del Toro’s Career
With Frankenstein behind him, Guillermo del Toro next project Fury represents a return to darker, more violent storytelling that explores harsh human realities. This shift may signal a desire to reconnect with more intimate, psychologically driven narratives following the scale and passion invested in Frankenstein. Del Toro’s work continues to showcase his creative range, balancing ambitious adaptations with original, intense thrillers that resonate with audiences and critics alike. As Fury moves forward in production, fans and industry watchers eagerly anticipate another compelling addition to del Toro’s diverse filmography.
