When it comes to writing and directing a surreal fantasy film in the 21st century, one man stands above the rest. That is of course Guillermo del Toro. Whether it’s him putting his own spin on the Pinocchio story in animated form or directing a Best Picture winning film about an amphibian romance, he can do it all. His next project on the rise is another adaptation. This time del Toro will be taking a stab at the Frankenstein story.
While no release date or even year is certain, we can probably anticipate to see it at the end of 2024 or start of 2025. Along with that, we know that the film will go straight to Netflix as its part of del Toro’s deal with the streaming company. His last film Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, which won an Oscar, went right to Netflix late last year.
The short description of the film on Letterboxd is, “A new adaptation of the classic story.” The upcoming film has also been filed under the genres of drama, science fiction, and horror. Those three genres line up with del Toro’s other smash hit films like Pans Labyrinth, Nightmare Alley, and The Devil’s Backbone. Whether del Toro is your favorite director or not, the idea of this Frankenstein adaptation has to excite you. And I haven’t even gotten to the best part — the cast.
The Star Studded Cast of Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein
When it comes to putting a cast together, Guillermo del Toro does it better than anyone. For Nightmare Alley, he brought Toni Collette, Rooney Mara, Bradley Cooper, Willem Dafoe, and Cate Blanchett together. And for The Shape of Water, he assembled a cast of Sally Hawkins, Doug Jones, Michael Shannon, Richard Jenkins, and Octavia Spencer. This Frankenstein film is no different.
In the role of Frankenstein’s Bride, we’re getting an actress who is a modern staple in horror films — Mia Goth. In the Ti West world as Pearl and in Brandon Cronenberg’s Infinity Pool, Goth gives knockout performances. She’s the future face of horror cinema and I couldn’t be happier with this casting. Doctor Victor Frankenstein will be played by the incomparable Andrew Garfield. This is interesting casting because he’s never been in a horror film, but he has been good in thrillers like Under the Silver Lake. I’m intrigued to see his onscreen chemistry with Goth because he’s always plays great off a female co-star. Whether it’s Jessica Chastain in The Eyes of Tammy Faye or Alexandra Shipp in tick, tick…BOOM!, Garfield thrives with a strong female co-star.
Playing Frankenstein’s Monster is generational talent Oscar Isaac. While it’s no question he’ll be great, I have another question to pose? What will it be like with a handsome monster. The monster in Frankenstein’s story has always been an ugly oaf, but Isaac is extremely handsome. It’s intriguing casting to say the least and one that has me excited. The final actor casted in this film is Oscar winner Christoph Waltz. Waltz is the only member of the cast where his role hasn’t been announced. Nevertheless, seeing Christoph Waltz on screen is always fun.
Like I mentioned, we don’t know when it’s coming out, but the anticipation for me is already growing. Getting more Guillermo del Toro is always a great thing. Now, you factor in this monster cast and we’re cooking with fire.