Netflix released an extended look at Guillermo del Toro Frankenstein earlier this week through a trailer that centers on Jacob Elordi’s portrayal of the Monster. Following this, director Guillermo del Toro shared a selection of captivating behind-the-scenes photographs on his social media, offering fans a closer glimpse at the production. Although Elordi is not featured in these new images, viewers can see Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein, Mia Goth as Elizabeth Lavenza, and detailed miniatures crafted for the film’s intricate visual world.
Del Toro’s Personal Connection to the Frankenstein Story
In a recent conversation with Variety, Guillermo del Toro explained that his interpretation of Frankenstein transcends the conventional narrative of scientific hubris. Instead, he views it as a tale of the human spirit, emphasizing forgiveness, understanding, and the importance of empathy. He recalled his childhood fascination with James Whale’s classic Frankenstein films, particularly identifying not with Victor Frankenstein but with the Monster, whom he felt mirrored his own feelings of being an outsider.
The usual discourse of Frankenstein has to do with science gone awry,
Guillermo del Toro, Director
But for me, it’s about the human spirit. It’s not a cautionary tale: It’s about forgiveness, understanding and the importance of listening to each other.
Guillermo del Toro, Director
He was out of place in the same way that I felt as a kid.
Guillermo del Toro, Director
Upcoming Special Screening and Audience Engagement
Del Toro will host a special IMAX screening of Frankenstein at the TCL Chinese Theater in Los Angeles on October 31. The event will include a Q&A session with the director, and attendees are encouraged to cosplay as their favorite characters from del Toro’s filmography to celebrate the day’s themes. This live event adds an interactive dimension to the film’s release, complementing its broader theatrical and streaming premieres.
Reception and Critical Response to the Film
Initial reactions to Guillermo del Toro Frankenstein were mixed, but fuller critical reviews have trended more positively. The film currently holds an 81% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 88 reviews, reflecting growing enthusiasm for the film’s artistic achievements and storytelling depth. The movie explores the tragic consequences of Victor Frankenstein’s experiment, portraying both creator and creature with complex emotional nuance and tension.
Insights into the Film’s Story and Production
At the heart of the film is Oscar Isaac’s portrayal of Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant yet egotistical scientist whose experiment to animate a creature — played by Jacob Elordi — ultimately brings ruin to both. Del Toro described this project as the culmination of a lifelong passion started at age seven, sparked by his experience watching the original Frankenstein films. He credits the Gothic horror genre and Boris Karloff’s iconic Monster for shaping his artistic vision and personal connection to the story.
This film concludes a quest that started at age 7, when I saw James Whale’s Frankenstein films for the first time. I felt the jolt of recognition in that seminal moment: Gothic horror became my church, and Boris Karloff my Messiah,
Guillermo del Toro, Director
Release Dates and Distribution Plans
Guillermo del Toro Frankenstein is scheduled for a limited theatrical release beginning October 17, followed by its global streaming debut on Netflix on November 7. This rollout aims to reach both cinema audiences and home viewers, providing multiple ways to experience the film’s richly crafted world. As anticipation builds, del Toro’s blend of horror and heartfelt storytelling continues to draw interest from diverse audiences.
Oscar on set (honoring Wrightson) pic.twitter.com/dx0JTEDvge
— Guillermo del Toro (@RealGDT) October 2, 2025
Mia on set pic.twitter.com/PmqaSnOc17
— Guillermo del Toro (@RealGDT) October 2, 2025
Dan Laustsen on set pic.twitter.com/5okM6E7HFF
— Guillermo del Toro (@RealGDT) October 2, 2025
Oscar on set pic.twitter.com/Tljnpo2z9d
— Guillermo del Toro (@RealGDT) October 2, 2025
Miniature elements being prepared pic.twitter.com/zzOODlDybe
— Guillermo del Toro (@RealGDT) October 2, 2025
