Guillermo del Toro's passion for Frankenstein rivals that of Dr. Frankenstein himself. At the recent Next on Netflix preview event, the acclaimed writer-director shared a video message, offering a tantalizing glimpse into his highly anticipated adaptation of Mary Shelley's classic tale. Although del Toro confirmed 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.
In his message, as reported by Variety, del Toro revealed the deep roots of his obsession: "This film has been on my mind since I was a child — for 50 years. 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 the numerous Frankenstein figures and collectibles adorning his Frankenstein room in his renowned Bleak House.
Del Toro also showcased some exclusive footage, featuring Oscar Isaac's Victor Frankenstein in a confrontation with Mia Goth, who plays a seemingly affluent aristocrat. Additionally, Jacob Elordi appears 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 currently available online.
Reflecting on his personal connection to the story, del Toro shared, "You see, over the decades, the character has fused with my soul in a way that it has become an autobiography. It doesn’t get more personal than this." His dedication to bringing Frankenstein to life underscores a journey that has spanned decades, highlighting the not-so-quick gestation of this much-anticipated Netflix project.
