Guillermo del Toro's passion for Frankenstein might just rival that of Dr. Frankenstein himself. During the Next on Netflix preview event, the acclaimed writer-director unveiled a video message teasing his long-awaited adaptation of the classic tale. Although del Toro mentioned that fans won't see a trailer until this summer, Netflix treated viewers to a first-look image of Oscar Isaac portraying the iconic mad scientist (see above).
"This film has been on my mind since I was a child — for 50 years," del Toro revealed in the video, as reported by Variety. "I've been trying to make it for 20 to 25 years. In fact, some people may even think I am a little bit obsessed with Frankenstein." As he spoke, he gestured towards his extensive collection of Frankenstein figures and memorabilia housed in his renowned Bleak House.
Del Toro also showcased exclusive footage featuring Isaac's Victor Frankenstein confronting Mia Goth, who appears as a sophisticated aristocrat. Additionally, viewers caught a glimpse of Jacob Elordi as Frankenstein's monster, characterized by long black hair, stitched-up gray skin, and a striking glint of red in his eyes. (Unfortunately, this footage is not available online at this time.)
"You see, over the decades, the character has fused with my soul in a way that it has become an autobiography," del Toro elaborated. "It doesn't get more personal than this."
The director, known for works like Pan's Labyrinth and Hellboy, has indeed been dedicated to bringing Frankenstein to life on screen for an extended period. Here's a brief overview of the prolonged journey behind Netflix's upcoming Frankenstein film...