Guillermo del Toro's lifelong fascination with Frankenstein mirrors that of the iconic Dr. Frankenstein himself. A recent Netflix preview showcased a first-look image of Oscar Isaac as the renowned mad scientist in del Toro's highly anticipated adaptation (see above).
Del Toro, in a video message, confessed his decades-long dedication to this project. "This film has been in my thoughts since childhood—for 50 years," he revealed, as reported by Variety. "I've been pursuing it for 20 to 25 years. Some might even say I'm obsessed with Frankenstein." He gestured to his extensive collection of Frankenstein memorabilia in his Bleak House, further emphasizing his deep-seated passion.
A brief glimpse of footage was shown, featuring Isaac's Victor Frankenstein confronting Mia Goth, portraying a wealthy aristocrat, and Jacob Elordi as Frankenstein's monster—described as having long black hair, stitched gray skin, and piercing red eyes. This footage remains unavailable online.
Del Toro profoundly stated, "Over the decades, the character has become intertwined with my soul; it's become an autobiography. It doesn't get more personal than this." His long-held ambition to bring Frankenstein to the screen is undeniable, making the Netflix adaptation a truly personal endeavor. The film's extensive development period is a testament to del Toro's unwavering commitment.