Introduction

Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein is already being hailed as one of the most anticipated horror films of the decade. But according to Oscar Isaac — who plays the iconic Victor Frankenstein — this isn’t your typical Gothic tale. During an appearance on the Smartless podcast, Isaac revealed that he and del Toro spoke only in Spanish on set, turning the film into what he calls “an emotional Mexican melodrama.”

A Cultural Twist on a Gothic Classic

Isaac’s revelation shines light on del Toro’s creative genius — his ability to reimagine Western classics through a Latin lens. The director, known for masterpieces like Pan’s Labyrinth and Crimson Peak, brings his signature emotional depth and cultural texture to Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel.

“We only spoke in Spanish to each other,” Isaac said. “He would direct in jokes mostly — dirty Mexican jokes.”

This exchange wasn’t just playful — it symbolized a deep cultural connection. Both Isaac (Guatemalan-American) and del Toro (Mexican) infused their shared heritage into the film, transforming Frankenstein into a story of passion, loss, and creation told from a Latin perspective.

Del Toro’s Vision: Craft Over CGI

Unlike most modern blockbusters, del Toro insists on authenticity over digital effects. The $90 million Netflix production, filmed in Toronto and Budapest, features handcrafted sets and practical effects.

“I want real sets. I don’t want AI or simulation. I want people painting, building, hammering, plastering.”

This choice reinforces his belief in “human-made magic” — a fitting philosophy for a film that questions humanity’s boundaries in creation itself.

A Multilingual Cinematic Experience

Del Toro’s Frankenstein doesn’t just blend art and culture — it blends languages. While the main narrative is in English, the film includes Danish and French segments to reflect its European roots.

• Danish commands echo aboard the ship Horisont, led by Lars Mikkelsen’s Captain Anderson.
• French dialogue paints Victor’s early years with emotional tenderness.
• Spanish spirit seeps through the entire production, thanks to Isaac and del Toro’s behind-the-scenes synergy.

This linguistic layering mirrors the novel’s complex structure — a tapestry of letters and perspectives — while enriching the film’s authenticity.

Oscar Isaac’s Victor: A Humanized Scientist

Isaac’s Victor Frankenstein is more than a mad genius; he’s a man torn apart by grief and obsession. Del Toro reportedly told Isaac,

“It is not an accident that my Victor’s real name is Oscar Isaac Hernández.”

This line blurs fiction and reality, binding Isaac’s identity with the character’s turmoil. The actor himself questioned if the role was “too much” at times — a testament to del Toro’s emotional intensity on set.

Jacob Elordi as the Creature: From Teen Idol to Tragic Monster

Rising star Jacob Elordi (Euphoria, Saltburn) joins as the Creature, adding youthful vulnerability to the story’s tragedy. His transformation from a misunderstood outcast to an emblem of lost humanity promises to redefine the “monster” archetype for a new generation.

Early behind-the-scenes photos hint at a visually stunning world — emerald laboratories, icy landscapes, and decaying beauty — classic del Toro aesthetics that balance horror with heart.

Del Toro’s Long Dream Realized

Del Toro has been chasing his Frankenstein adaptation since 2010. Initially linked to Universal’s failed “Dark Universe,” he finally brought it to Netflix’s creative freedom. Fans expect nothing less than a poetic exploration of humanity’s darkest desires and brightest hopes.

The film is slated for a 2026 release, and social media is already abuzz. The X (Twitter) post by @FilmUpdates sharing Isaac’s podcast moment has gained 75,000+ likes and nearly 3 million views — proof that audiences crave originality over formulaic reboots.

FAQs

Q1. When is Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein releasing?

The film is expected to release on Netflix in 2026.

Q2. Who stars in del Toro’s Frankenstein?

Oscar Isaac plays Victor Frankenstein, while Jacob Elordi stars as the Creature. Lars Mikkelsen and other European actors round out the cast.

Q3. What makes this Frankenstein adaptation unique?

It’s deeply influenced by Mexican culture, emotional storytelling, and handcrafted visuals, offering a blend of Gothic horror and human empathy.

Q4. Did Guillermo del Toro really avoid CGI?

Yes. Del Toro used physical sets and traditional filmmaking methods to maintain realism and artistic authenticity.

Conclusion

Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein isn’t merely another monster film — it’s a symphony of culture, language, and emotion. By fusing Mary Shelley’s timeless narrative with Latin passion and old-school craftsmanship, del Toro and Oscar Isaac have resurrected more than just a creature — they’ve reanimated the human spirit within cinema itself.

Neutral Opinion (Deep Reflective Ending)

In an age where cinema often relies on digital shortcuts and safe storytelling, del Toro’s Frankenstein stands as an act of creative rebellion — a reminder that art lives best when it breathes imperfection, emotion, and identity. The film’s fusion of languages, humor, and grief isn’t merely a stylistic flourish — it’s a reflection of our fractured yet interconnected world.

Perhaps that’s the real brilliance of this adaptation: del Toro and Isaac remind us that monsters aren’t born from science or sin — they’re born from the human need to be understood. And maybe, just maybe, that’s the most terrifying truth of all.