Oscar Isaac, who stars as Victor Frankenstein in Guillermo del Toro’s adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic, described the filming process as the most enjoyable experience of his career. Despite the dark and Gothic tone of the story, Isaac revealed that shooting the movie was filled with unexpected energy and excitement. This insight offers a fresh perspective on the typically grim subject matter of Frankenstein, highlighting the joy found on set during production.
A Joyful Atmosphere Amidst Dark Themes
The actor detailed his experience in an interview with SFX magazine, describing how the intensity of filming was mixed with moments of playful fun. Isaac mentioned running through rain, climbing stairs, and performing scenes involving religious symbolism, all while director Guillermo del Toro maintained an energetic and passionate presence. This unusual combination of dark material paired with youthful enthusiasm created a unique atmosphere on set that surprised even Isaac.
“It was the most fucking fun I’ve ever had in my life,”
Isaac shared with a grin.
“Running around in the rain, up and down steps, this Christ-like thing on a crucifix and Guillermo in the corner, screaming! It was hard to fathom that it was actually happening. It’s such dark material, but was approached with so much joy. Like 14 year olds had keys to the kingdom – it had that kind of energy to it.”
A New Emotional Take on the Frankenstein Story
Del Toro’s Frankenstein takes a different route from traditional portrayals of Victor Frankenstein as merely a ‘mad scientist.’ Isaac explained that the director was more intrigued by the emotional and psychological dimensions of the character. The focus shifts toward exploring themes of generational trauma and abuse, emphasizing the complex relationship between creator and creation as a cycle that perpetuates pain and its consequences.
“[Guillermo] was much more interested in the emotional underpinnings of what the character means to him than the stuff we’ve seen, which I guess is ‘scientist gone mad,’”
Isaac said.
“There’s elements of that, but we approach it more as an artist. And really this idea of generational abuse and trauma that gets passed down, and how he continues to pass that down towards his creation. And ultimately the reckoning that happens because of that.”
Anticipation Builds for Frankenstein’s Release
Though Frankenstein will premiere as a Netflix release, both Oscar Isaac and co-star Jacob Elordi have expressed a preference for audiences to experience the movie in theaters, valuing the communal aspect that cinema offers. The film is set to debut in select theaters on October 17 before its wider release on Netflix starting November 7. This approach allows fans to engage with the story through both traditional screening and streaming options.
Context From SFX Magazine and Related Events
The detailed interview with Oscar Isaac appears in the latest SFX magazine issue, which hits newsstands on October 8. This edition also includes features on other anticipated horror projects, such as the new It: Welcome to Derry series. The Halloween Horror Special celebrates this new series with exclusive interviews and content, continuing to build excitement for fall releases in the horror genre.
Impact and What to Expect Next
Oscar Isaac’s excitement about the Frankenstein filming reveals a fresh and vibrant creative process behind the scenes of this high-profile adaptation. Guillermo del Toro’s focus on emotional depth and trauma might attract audiences looking for more than just classic horror thrills. As the film reaches fans both in theaters and at home via Netflix, it will likely spark discussions on how iconic stories like Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein can be reimagined through a contemporary, intense, and psychologically rich lens.
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Last year’s Halloween issue sold out in record time – on sale 8 October or pre-order NOW from the link in our bio! 🎃 pic.twitter.com/YxAHfUEER0— SFX magazine (@SFXmagazine) October 2, 2025
