Guillermo del Toro’s long-awaited adaptation of Frankenstein is finally coming to life. Netflix has announced that the gothic reimagining of Mary Shelley’s classic novel will premiere globally this November, with the first official teaser unveiled at the streaming giant’s TUDUM 2025 event.
Accompanied by the ominous tagline “Only Monsters Play God,” the film promises a deeply emotional and visually striking retelling of one of literature’s most enduring horror stories. Del Toro, an Oscar-winning filmmaker known for The Shape of Water and Pan’s Labyrinth, brings his signature blend of dark fantasy and human empathy to this new project—one he has reportedly been developing for over a decade.
A Stellar Cast and a Human Story
Frankenstein stars Oscar Isaac as the obsessive scientist Victor Frankenstein, with Jacob Elordi stepping into the pivotal role of the Creature. Elordi, best known for Saltburn and Euphoria, replaces Andrew Garfield, who departed the project due to scheduling conflicts.
The film also features Mia Goth as Elizabeth Lavenza, Frankenstein’s ill-fated fiancée, alongside Christoph Waltz, Felix Kammerer, Lars Mikkelsen, David Bradley, Charles Dance, and Ralph Ineson.
While rooted in horror, del Toro has emphasized that this adaptation focuses more on the emotional and philosophical core of Shelley’s novel. “This is not a traditional monster movie,” del Toro told Netflix. “It’s an incredibly emotional story about the need to belong, to be seen, and the tragedy of being misunderstood.”
A Teaser of Gothic Grandeur
The teaser trailer, released on May 31, offers eerie, shadow-drenched visuals of crumbling staircases, haunted expressions, and fleeting glimpses of the Creature. It sets the tone for a tragic and haunting journey into the consequences of unchecked ambition and god-like hubris.
The musical score, composed by Alexandre Desplat (The Grand Budapest Hotel, The Shape of Water), heightens the film’s emotional gravity, promising a sensory experience that’s both chilling and tender.
Netflix’s Prestige Horror Bet
Frankenstein adds to Netflix’s growing list of prestige horror and fantasy offerings. It follows del Toro’s critically acclaimed Cabinet of Curiosities and reflects the platform’s continued investment in auteur-driven genre films.
With its release scheduled for November 2025, Frankenstein is expected to be a major awards contender and a cultural event for both horror fans and cinephiles alike.
