Guillermo del Toro Reveals Why His Frankenstein Is More Than Just a Horror Film

Renowned filmmaker Guillermo del Toro is gearing up for the release of his long-anticipated adaptation of Frankenstein, set to premiere on Netflix in November. But fans expecting a traditional horror take on Mary Shelley’s Gothic classic may be in for something far more heartfelt and introspective.

A Personal Tale of Fathers, Sons, and Empathy

Speaking at the Cannes Film Festival, del Toro shared fresh insights into the emotional core of his upcoming film. During a conversation with composer Alexandre Desplat, he clarified that Frankenstein isn’t a horror movie in the traditional sense.

“Somebody asked me the other day, ‘Does it really have scary scenes?’ For the first time, I considered that,” del Toro said. “It’s an emotional story for me. It’s as personal as anything. I’m asking a question about being a father, being a son… I’m not doing a horror movie — ever. I’m not trying to do that.”

Instead of emphasizing fear, del Toro focuses on deeper human themes, as he often does in his work. Whether it’s The Shape of Water or Pan’s Labyrinth, del Toro has built a career around giving misunderstood creatures a voice — and Frankenstein promises to be no different.

A Lyrical Approach to a Legendary Monster

Del Toro’s vision for Frankenstein finds a perfect match in his longtime collaborator, Alexandre Desplat, who is composing the film’s score. The two previously worked together on The Shape of Water and Pinocchio, and their shared lyrical sensibility is shaping the tone of this new adaptation.

“Guillermo’s cinema is very lyrical, and my music is rather lyrical too,” said Desplat. “So I think the music of Frankenstein will be something very lyrical and emotional… I’m not trying to write horrific music.”

Although the score is still being finalized, del Toro emphasized that their focus is on emotional resonance rather than fright. “We’re finding the emotion,” he added. “And what I can say is, for me, it’s an incredibly emotional movie.”

Nearly Two Decades in the Making

Del Toro has been developing Frankenstein since 2008, starting with sketches and concept art. The project languished in development hell for years before finally being picked up by Netflix, where it is now nearing release.

The film wrapped filming on September 30, 2024, marking a major milestone for a story that del Toro has carried with him for nearly two decades. The delay may have worked in his favor, allowing him to refine the emotional and artistic depth he’s known for.

Star-Studded Cast Brings the Monster to Life

Frankenstein boasts an impressive ensemble cast. Jacob Elordi stars as the Monster, while Oscar Isaac plays the infamous Victor Frankenstein. A younger version of Victor is portrayed by Christian Convery. Christoph Waltz takes on the role of Doctor Pretorious, who searches across 19th-century Europe for the Monster, long believed to have perished in a fire.

Mia Goth plays Elizabeth Lavenza, Victor’s fiancée, and Lars Mikkelsen appears as Captain Anderson. Ralph Ineson rounds out the cast as Professor Kempre. Goth, who has earned acclaim in the horror genre, shared her excitement about the project earlier in 2024.

“It’s been amazing. It’s everything I wanted it to be and more,” she said. “I love Guillermo. I love working with him — he’s an incredible director, but also just such a wonderful person.”

A New Vision for a Classic Monster

Del Toro’s fascination with monsters goes back to childhood. Recalling a scene from The Seven Year Itch, he said, “Marilyn Monroe says the creature just needed somebody to like him. I fell in love with Marilyn, and I fell in love with the creature in that scene at a very early age.”

This moment stuck with del Toro and continues to influence his storytelling. He’s not interested in portraying monsters as threats — he wants to reveal the misunderstood soul beneath the surface.

As with many of del Toro’s films, Frankenstein aims to challenge audiences to see the humanity in the monstrous. Rather than scaring viewers, it seeks to move them — and in doing so, redefine what a monster movie can be.

Also Read: First Reactions to Disney’s Live-Action Lilo & Stitch Are Overwhelmingly Positive