5 Surprising Facts About Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein

Guillermo del Toro’s adaptation of Frankenstein has arrived in theaters, debuting on October 17, and will be available on Netflix starting November 7. This film stands out as a unique interpretation of Mary Shelley’s classic due to its production secrets, casting shifts, and bold aesthetic choices. More than just a retelling, it reshapes the iconic creature and its story. Here are five surprising facts about Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein.

1. Unique Approach to the Creature

Jacob Elordi, known for his roles in Euphoria and Priscilla, underwent extensive training to portray the creature authentically. He explored butoh, a Japanese expressive dance form, to channel physical and emotional depth. Additionally, he studied throat singing techniques from Mongolia and Tibet to create a voice that felt otherworldly. Del Toro aimed for the creature’s voice to sound as if it had never been used for communication, a distinctive quality in cinematic portrayals.

2. Casting Challenges

Initially, Andrew Garfield was set to play the monster, dedicating nine months to preproduction with specific makeup designs developed for him. However, due to scheduling conflicts, Garfield left the project shortly before filming began. Jacob Elordi was then urgently cast, necessitating a complete redesign of the creature. This last-minute change was more than technical; it also impacted the character’s emotional nuances, leading Del Toro to rewrite elements to align with Elordi’s portrayal.

3. A Shift from Typical Aesthetics

Del Toro distinctly rejected conventional period film aesthetics. He banned pastel colors and digital backgrounds, opting instead for authentic locations or full-scale physical sets for critical scenes. He wanted to immerse the audience in the film’s tactile environment, stating he wanted viewers to “smell the dust of the laboratory.” This choice contributes to a more profound emotional texture and differentiates this adaptation from previous versions.

4. Extensive Makeup Requirements

Becoming the creature was no small feat for Elordi. Daily, he spent 5 to 6 hours in makeup, which involved over 40 prosthetic pieces ranging from cranial plates to muscle details. Elordi described the experience as overwhelming but essential for getting into character. Notably, the creature’s appearance relied entirely on practical effects, with no CGI utilized in its design.

5. Evolution from the Dark Universe

Frankenstein originally emerged from the now-defunct Dark Universe, a failed attempt by Universal to create a connected monster franchise. Del Toro’s vision for Frankenstein started with a deal from Universal, initially considering actors like Javier Bardem for the lead role. However, with the collapse of the franchise, Del Toro reimagined the project entirely, focusing on a deeply personal narrative centered on human drama rather than franchise ties.

These surprising insights into Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein reveal a meticulous and innovative approach that redefines a classic tale, promising audiences a fresh experience when it premieres on Netflix.