Guillermo del Toro (Pan’s Labyrinth, Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio) has been in the spotlight for years, for the way he masterfully retells stories, incorporates real historical themes with sci-fi, and critiques the human experience.
Guillermo del Toro brings societal disparities to light in imaginative scenarios, which is why we can’t wait for his newest film, Frankenstein, coming to Netflix this November. You can also see the movie early, in select theaters, on Friday, Oct. 17.
The creation of a new monster has been years in the making
According to a post from Tudum by Netflix, del Toro has been working on the film for over a decade, perfecting the cinematography for his favorite novel. Frankenstein concepts have spooked movie theaters since a silent film in 1910, and a feature film in 1931. It’s been over 10 years since the last take on the original story, and del Toro’s film is sure to bring a unique look at one of the industry’s oldest monsters.
You might be picturing the traditional green face with sewing marks all over but get ready for an even more realistic look in the newest trailer. The full two and half-hour long movie is sure to bring fans goosebumps, jump scares, and empathy for the abandoned monster.
Will Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein stick to the original story by Mary Shelley?
Del Toro describes the newest Frankenstein as “a resurrected soldier out of a mass grave” during the Crimean War. Frankenstein, played by Jacob Elordi (The Kissing Booth and Euphoria), sets out to teach the world a lesson about neglect and selfishness.
Let’s just say that if you were in the new trailer, you wouldn’t want to be on the receiving end of his vengeance journey. Del Toro’s take will also include Frankenstein having visions of the dead soldiers that have been pieced together to bring him to life.
Fans may question how del Toro’s take will vary from the many other retellings of the spooky character. According to the Hollywood Reporter, del Toro’s reanimation “honors the essence of the book in that it’s not so much straight-up horror as tragedy, romance, and a philosophical reflection on what it means to be human.".
The monster, Frankenstein, might not be new for your little one’s Halloween vocabulary but be sure to have a separate movie in the lineup for them. Frankenstein is rated R and likely to be too spooky for young kids this fall. You can’t go wrong with K-Pop Demon Hunters as backup!
Could Netflix see more gothic literature re-makes in the near future?
There was a recent announcement of Wuthering Heights hitting theaters on Valentine's Day 2026 (also starring Jacob Elordi), but fans aren't too happy about the trailer results so far. Fans are disappointed in casting and feel that the story deviates too far from the original themes. Hopefully Frankenstein will lead the way in authenticity, and maybe fans will be pleasantly surprised by Wuthering Heights.
With the recent acknowledgement of Jane Austen's 250th birthday, maybe fans could get a remake of Pride and Prejudice or Jane Eyre in the near future? I wouldn't be opposed! Some say remakes are never as good as the originals, but when done well, fresh new takes can be just as entertaining!
Frankenstein comes alive on Netflix on Nov. 1, 2025.
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