The much-anticipated adaptation of Mary Shelley’s timeless classic, “Frankenstein,” directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Guillermo Del Toro, recently premiered in Los Angeles, celebrating a project that has been a lifelong ambition for the creative visionary.
At the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, cast members shared their excitement about bringing this iconic story to life. Jacob Elordi expressed his enthusiasm for portraying the Creature, calling it “a dream come true.” Mia Goth, who plays the ill-fated Elizabeth Lavenza, described the experience as “such an honor” but acknowledged the pressure of stepping into this beloved narrative for the filmmaker who began envisioning the project at the tender age of 10.
Elordi and Goth both reflected on the unique challenge of embodying their characters, with Goth noting her initial fears upon arriving for filming in Toronto. “I’ve never been more scared walking into a film,” she confessed.
Oscar Isaac, who takes on the role of Victor Frankenstein, echoed the sentiments of his co-stars, praising Del Toro’s “infectious energy.” He emphasized that the film is driven by passion, stating, “[Del Toro’s] a very passionate, joyous, funny, warm person, and mischievous as well.” Isaac highlighted how this version of “Frankenstein” is infused with a distinctive Latin American perspective, adding a rich cultural layer to the classic European tale.
Goth provided insight into the film’s deeper themes, indicating that she views it not strictly as a horror film but rather as a profound family drama. “It’s a story about fathers and sons, it’s about forgiveness, it’s about redemption, it’s about understanding,” she said. Both Goth and Del Toro hope that audiences will be surprised by the film’s emotional depth and heart.
Del Toro himself affirmed that while the film fits into the horror genre, it transcends those boundaries. He described it as a narrative deeply rooted in the Catholic themes of familial relationships and generational pain, stating that after 30 years of creating fantasy films, “Frankenstein” reflects his journey and innovation in storytelling.
Following its premiere at the Venice Film Festival in August, “Frankenstein” is set to hit select theaters on October 17, with a streaming release planned for November 7 on Netflix. Fans of the classic tale can look forward to a fresh take on a story that has resonated for over two centuries, promising both fear and compassion in beautifully woven storytelling.