Frankenstein: A Brief Timeline of Guillermo del Toro’s 20-Years-in-the-Making Horror Movie

Guillermo del Toro's lifelong fascination with Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is almost as legendary as the monster itself. A recent Netflix preview showcased the director's long-awaited adaptation, offering a glimpse into his decades-long journey to bring this iconic story to the screen. While a trailer won't be released until summer, Netflix unveiled a first-look image of Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein (see above).

In a video message, del Toro confessed, "This film has been in my mind since childhood—for 50 years. I've been trying to make it for 20 to 25 years. Some might even say I'm a little obsessed with Frankenstein," gesturing to his extensive collection of Frankenstein memorabilia in his dedicated "Frankenstein room" at Bleak House.

Del Toro shared brief, exclusive footage showcasing Isaac's Victor Frankenstein in a confrontation with Mia Goth, portraying a wealthy aristocrat, and Jacob Elordi as the monster, described as having "long black hair, stitched-up gray skin, and a glint of red in his eyes." This footage remains unavailable online.

Del Toro eloquently summarized his deep connection to the project: "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 underscores the extensive time and effort invested in realizing this cinematic vision. The lengthy development process of Netflix's Frankenstein is a testament to del Toro's unwavering commitment to his artistic vision.