Guillermo del Toro described his long-awaited Frankenstein film as one of the most personal projects of his career during its premiere at the London Film Festival. The 61-year-old director shared that much of the story mirrors his own emotions and experiences.
“Mary Shelley’s novel always felt deeply personal to me. It’s like an autobiography of her soul,” del Toro said, reflecting on the timeless tale that has inspired him since the beginning of his career.
The Oscar-winning filmmaker revealed that the novel shaped his understanding of monsters and humanity, making it a guiding influence throughout his professional journey.
A Two-Decade Dream Realized
Del Toro has been attempting to bring Frankenstein to the screen for nearly twenty years, but it was Netflix that finally enabled him to realize his vision.
The film stars Jacob Elordi as the Creature and Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein, with del Toro infusing his signature gothic atmosphere and emotional depth into the adaptation.
“The novel’s themes of loneliness and belonging really resonated with my creative journey,” del Toro said, highlighting the deeply personal connection he felt with the story.
Cast Praise and Creative Insights
Jacob Elordi praised del Toro for capturing the emotional truth of Mary Shelley’s story, saying he could understand the author through the director’s lens. Elordi described the Creature as an extension of del Toro’s own feelings, reflecting the filmmaker’s personal investment in the project.
Del Toro also noted that Mary Shelley’s troubled relationship with her father influenced the central tension between creator and creation, adding layers of emotional depth to the film.
Audiences and critics alike have responded to the film’s beauty and heart, reaffirming Guillermo del Toro’s reputation as one of cinema’s most passionate and visionary storytellers.
