Guillermo Del Toro, the Oscar-winning Mexican filmmaker, unveiled striking images from his upcoming Frankenstein adaptation, set to premiere on Netflix in November 2025. The film, showcased at the Venice and Toronto Film Festivals, features Jacob Elordi, known for Euphoria, as Mary Shelley’s iconic creature. Released on Monday, July 28, the photos reveal Elordi with greenish skin, vivid scars, and deep-set dark circles, though partially shrouded in cloth. The star-studded cast, including Oscar Isaac as Dr. Frankenstein and Mia Goth, heightens anticipation for this dream project of Del Toro. Known for blending horror with emotion, the director delivers a visually gripping take on the gothic classic. The film will also see limited U.S. theatrical screenings to qualify for the Oscars.
Elordi’s partially revealed look has sparked buzz across social media. His casting, replacing Andrew Garfield due to scheduling conflicts, has intrigued fans eager for his take on the monster.
Key highlights from the images:
Greenish skin and prominent red scars.
Star cast with Oscar Isaac and Mia Goth.
Netflix premiere set for November 2025.
Elordi’s haunting transformation
The newly released images showcase Jacob Elordi’s dramatic transformation into Frankenstein’s monster, echoing Mary Shelley’s vivid description. His greenish skin and red scars highlight meticulous makeup work, promising a standout feature of the film. Though the full look remains under wraps, the glimpse suggests a powerful and authentic portrayal of the creature.
Del Toro, celebrated for crafting iconic creatures in films like Pan’s Labyrinth, has clearly poured detail into the monster’s design. Elordi, a rising star known for intense roles, takes on the challenge of embodying this legendary figure. His casting brings a fresh perspective to a character steeped in literary history.
Social media reactions have been electric, with fans praising Elordi’s eerie appearance. The images also reflect the film’s dark, gothic aesthetic, a hallmark of Del Toro’s vision.
Visual elements:
Green-tinted skin with realistic scars.
Deep dark circles for a haunting effect.
Cloth-wrapped figure teases full reveal.
Gothic aesthetic true to Del Toro’s style.
Stellar cast fuels anticipation
Frankenstein boasts a powerhouse cast, with Oscar Isaac as the driven Dr. Victor Frankenstein and Mia Goth, speculated to play the Bride of the Monster. The ensemble, rounded out by Charles Dance, Lars Mikkelsen, David Bradley, Christian Convery, and Christoph Waltz, adds gravitas to the project. Each actor’s pedigree elevates the film, already a major contender for 2025 awards.
Isaac, recognized for Dune and Moon Knight, is poised to deliver a complex portrayal of the obsessive scientist. Goth, fresh off acclaimed roles in Pearl and MaXXXine, fits seamlessly into Del Toro’s dark universe. The cast’s chemistry is a hot topic among fans, who expect unforgettable performances.
Elordi’s replacement of Andrew Garfield, who exited due to scheduling issues, has proven a bold choice. The Euphoria star’s versatility, seen in Saltburn, positions him to tackle the monster’s emotional depth.
Vanity Fair share exclusive look at Mia Goth & Jacob Elordi in Guillermo del Toro’s ‘FRANKENSTEIN.’ pic.twitter.com/XfUTbL2xZj— Pop Base (@PopBase) July 28, 2025
Del Toro’s signature vision
Guillermo Del Toro, who won an Oscar for The Shape of Water, calls Frankenstein a deeply personal project. His knack for portraying misunderstood creatures shines in this adaptation, which explores themes of loneliness, creation, and humanity from Shelley’s 1818 novel. Del Toro’s blend of horror and heart is evident in early visuals.
His prior Netflix collaboration, the Oscar-winning stop-motion Pinocchio, set a high bar. Frankenstein continues this partnership, with Del Toro’s next project, a stop-motion adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s The Buried Giant, already in the works. The director’s track record fuels confidence in a standout film.
The decision to screen Frankenstein in select U.S. theaters reflects its awards-season ambitions. Del Toro’s reputation and the film’s festival buzz make it a strong Oscar contender.
Del Toro’s approach:
Themes of loneliness and creation.
Gothic visuals with emotional depth.
Strong Netflix partnership.
Awards-season strategy with theater run.
Festival buzz and fan reactions
Frankenstein’s selection for the Venice and Toronto Film Festivals underscores its prestige. Early screenings at these renowned events earned praise, amplifying excitement for the November release. The film’s festival presence signals Netflix’s confidence in its awards potential.
Images shared by Vanity Fair, featuring Elordi and the cast, have gone viral. Fans of Del Toro and Shelley’s novel commend the visual fidelity and casting choices. The gradual release of details keeps the film trending across platforms.
Netflix’s marketing, with teasers and strategic reveals, has sustained hype. The combination of Del Toro’s vision, a stellar cast, and a timeless story positions Frankenstein as a must-watch in 2025.
Festival and fan highlights:
Venice and Toronto festival selections.
Positive early reviews from screenings.
Viral social media buzz for images.
High anticipation for Netflix debut.
Staying true to Shelley’s classic
Del Toro’s adaptation stays close to Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel, a cornerstone of gothic horror and science fiction. The story of a scientist crafting a creature from corpses resonates through Del Toro’s empathetic lens, emphasizing the monster’s humanity. Set photos hint at key book moments, like the creature’s creation.
The film’s dark, atmospheric settings enhance its gothic roots. Speculation around Mia Goth as the Bride suggests a bold expansion of Shelley’s narrative. Del Toro’s ability to blend horror with poetic storytelling promises a fresh yet faithful take.
Fans eagerly await a film that honors the novel while reflecting Del Toro’s unique style. The adaptation’s relevance to modern audiences lies in its timeless exploration of creation and isolation.
Adaptation elements:
Loyalty to Shelley’s core themes.
Focus on the monster’s humanity.
Potential Bride of the Monster arc.
Horror blended with poetic visuals.
