From Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility to Wuthering Heights, it seems to be the season for classic, canonical novels to be given a new interpretation for the screen. While these stories have seen countless film and television adaptations over the decades, undoubtedly, the creatives taking the helm this time around will be hoping to each create a generation-defining, zeitgeist-y version of these beloved stories. Leading this wave is Guillermo del Toro’s highly anticipated take on Mary Shelley’s pioneering 1818 gothic novel Frankenstein, whose official trailer was released today. The blockbuster film will arrive in select cinemas on 17 October 2025, before its global Netflix release on 7 November 2025.
Watch the trailer
The official trailer was just released, take a look below.
Del Toro, renowned for Pan’s Labyrinth, Crimson Peak, and the Oscar-winning The Shape of Water, has long been fascinated by gothic horror and classic monster cinema, crafting dark fairytales with macabre visuals and a distinctive, shadowy aesthetic. His singular vision makes him a natural fit for reimagining Shelley’s masterpiece. Here's everything we know so far about the upcoming film.
What is Frankenstein about?
The story follows scientist Victor Frankenstein, who, in his quest to unlock the secrets of creating life, assembles a creature from human body parts. When the monster comes to life, Victor quickly loses control of his experiment.
While in the last decade we have seen several ‘inspired by’ adaptations, such as Victor Frankenstein starring Daniel Radcliffe , and Mary Shelley with Elle Fanning, it has been some time since a faithful adaptation has permeated the mainstream. Over the past 100 years, countless films have featured the titular monster, with many more alluding to the story, from Edward Scissorhands to The Rocky Horror Picture Show. However, James Whale's 1931 Frankenstein and its sequel Bride of Frankenstein remain the most influential, particularly in shaping the iconic look of the character, played by Boris Karloff.
Who has been cast in Frankenstein?
Oscar Isaac, known for his roles in Dune, Moon Knight and Ex Machina takes the role of Victor Frankenstein. Jacob Elordi (Saltburn, Priscilla), who will soon be seen as Heathcliff in the upcoming Wuthering Heights film, will play Frankenstein's creature. The appearance of Elordi's monster has been kept fairly under wraps, presumably in order to have maximum impact when the film is released. A still of Elordi in the role can be seen below, though his face is mostly covered.
Scream queen Mia Goth of the X horror film series will intriguingly play two roles: the fiancée of Victor's younger brother, Elizabeth Lavenza, as well as Victor's mother. Other cast members include Charles Dance (Game of Thrones), David Bradley (Harry Potter), and Christoph Waltz (Inglourious Basterds).
When will Frankenstein be released?
Frankenstein will premiere in select cinemas on 17 October 2025, before arriving globally on Netflix on 7 November 2025, just after Halloween.
