Del Toro’s ‘Frankenstein’ debuts with screenplay up for pre-order

Screenplay Pre-Order Details

The complete screenplay for Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein is now available for pre-order online at $29.99, with a release date of November 25, 2025. Published by Insight Editions, this 240-page hardcover edition offers fans and screenwriting enthusiasts an unprecedented look at del Toro’s adaptation of Shelley’s timeless tale, featuring the complete script alongside stunning concept art, film stills, and behind-the-scenes photography.

What makes this release particularly noteworthy is its timing—it’s relatively uncommon for a filmmaker of del Toro’s stature to make the complete screenplay available to the public so soon before and after the film’s debut. This decision reflects del Toro’s commitment to transparency regarding his creative process and his desire to share his artistic vision with audiences who appreciate the craft of screenwriting and adaptation.

The screenplay book features nuanced character development and poignant dialogue that brings fresh life to Shelley’s tale, exploring the fractured relationship between creator and creation with del Toro’s distinctive artistic voice shining through every page. From the tormented Victor Frankenstein to his tragic monster (officially referred to as “the Creature” in del Toro’s adaptation), the script offers an immersive experience for both fans of the original novel and admirers of del Toro’s cinematic genius.

Additionally, a second companion book titled Frankenstein: Written and Directed by Guillermo del Toro is available for pre-order at $75, releasing on October 28, 2025. This 334-page hardcover volume provides an even deeper dive into the film’s creation, featuring developmental sketches of the Creature, exclusive storyboards, set photography, costume designs by Kate Hawley, and del Toro’s concept art that guided the production from pre-production through filming.

Film’s Theatrical and Streaming Debut

Frankenstein first premiered at the Venice Film Festival on August 30, 2025—fittingly on Mary Shelley’s birthday, known as “Frankenstein Day.” The film received positive acclaim from festival audiences and critics, winning the Fanheart3 Graffetta d’Oro award, given to the movie with the best chance of becoming a cult film. It also earned first runner-up for the People’s Choice Award for Best Film at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Following its festival circuit success, the film received a limited theatrical release in select cinemas on October 17, 2025, strategically timed to qualify for awards consideration. Del Toro assured fans that “the number of theatres will expand soon,” though the release remained relatively limited compared to wide theatrical releases. The film also opened in theaters across Mexico on October 24, with a red-carpet event scheduled in Mexico City on November 3 featuring stars Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi.

The film made its global streaming debut on Netflix on November 7, 2025, allowing the platform’s 300+ million subscribers worldwide to experience del Toro’s gothic vision from home. This dual release strategy—limited theatrical followed by streaming—has become Netflix’s preferred approach for prestige projects seeking awards recognition while maximizing audience reach through the platform.

The 149-minute film represents one of Netflix’s most significant movie releases of 2025, combining del Toro’s reputation for visually stunning, emotionally complex storytelling with the cultural cachet of adapting one of literature’s most enduring works.

Del Toro’s Unique Vision

Guillermo del Toro has described Frankenstein as “the culmination of a journey that has occupied most of my life,” revealing that he has wanted to adapt Shelley’s novel for over 50 years. “I first read Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein as a kid and saw Boris Karloff in what became for me an almost religious state,” del Toro shared at Netflix’s TUDUM event. “Monsters have become my personal belief system.”

For del Toro, Frankenstein is far more than a cautionary tale about science gone wrong. “The typical discussion surrounding Frankenstein revolves around science misfiring,” he explained in a Variety cover story. “However, for me, it’s about the essence of humanity. It delves into themes of forgiveness, empathy, and the vital need for communication.” This perspective transforms the narrative from horror story to profound meditation on what it means to be human.

Del Toro’s adaptation stays faithful to the 19th-century setting while introducing fresh emotional layers and Dr. Pretorius (played by Christoph Waltz), a new character who must track down Frankenstein’s Creature—believed to have died decades earlier—to continue Victor’s work. The director emphasizes the story as a “Miltonian tragedy,” exploring human fragility and the tragic consequences of creation without compassion.

The production design reflects del Toro’s trademark gothic aesthetic, with laboratory sets described as “the remnants of once-great structures, ruins more beautiful than the original buildings, a clash of creation and destruction.” The film employs practical effects and elaborate prosthetics rather than relying heavily on CGI, maintaining the physicality and authenticity that characterize del Toro’s filmmaking approach.

Star-Studded Cast and Production

The film features an impressive ensemble cast led by Oscar Isaac as the brilliant but egotistical Dr. Victor Frankenstein. Isaac brings depth and complexity to the tortured scientist whose obsession with conquering death leads to devastating consequences. In interviews, Isaac has described the film as del Toro’s “Latin American interpretation” of the classic tale, bringing fresh cultural perspective to the well-known story.

Jacob Elordi delivers a transformative performance as the Creature, undergoing extensive physical transformation through prosthetics and makeup. “I required 42 prosthetics to morph into Guillermo del Toro’s Creature,” Elordi revealed. “Everything in this film is full-scale and handcrafted.” His portrayal emphasizes the Creature’s intelligence, emotional depth, and tragic yearning for acceptance rather than depicting him as merely a monster.

The supporting cast includes Mia Goth as Elizabeth Lavenza, Victor’s fiancée; Christoph Waltz as Dr. Pretorius; Charles Dance as Victor’s father Leopold Frankenstein; Ralph Ineson as Professor Krempe; Felix Kammerer in a key role; Lars Mikkelsen; David Bradley; and Christian Convery as young Victor Frankenstein. Each actor brings gravitas and nuance to their roles, elevating the adaptation beyond typical genre fare.

Production took place primarily in Toronto beginning in February 2024, with filming officially wrapping in October 2024 after several months of principal photography. Del Toro’s meticulous attention to detail extended production timelines, ensuring every frame captured his artistic vision. The director both wrote and directed the film, maintaining complete creative control over this passion project he’s pursued for decades.

Critical Reception and Awards Prospects

Early critical reception has been overwhelmingly positive, with reviewers praising del Toro’s faithful yet emotionally layered adaptation. Critics have highlighted the film’s stunning visual design, powerful performances, and the director’s ability to extract profound meaning from a story that has been adapted countless times across various media.

The film’s Venice Film Festival premiere generated significant buzz, with audiences responding enthusiastically to del Toro’s vision. Reviews have described it as “a captivating tale told” and praised the director for avoiding the campy excess that has characterized some previous Frankenstein adaptations in favor of emotional authenticity and gothic atmosphere.

Netflix’s strategic release plan—limited theatrical run followed by streaming debut—positions Frankenstein as a serious awards contender. The October theatrical release ensures Academy Award eligibility, and industry observers anticipate nominations in multiple categories including Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, and potentially Best Actor considerations for Isaac and Elordi.

Del Toro’s previous work has earned him Academy Awards for Best Director and Best Picture (as producer) for The Shape of Water, as well as Best Animated Feature for Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio. Frankenstein continues his track record of critically acclaimed, artistically ambitious projects that resonate with both mainstream audiences and cinephiles.

The availability of the screenplay and companion book enhances the film’s cultural impact, allowing film students, screenwriters, and del Toro enthusiasts to study his adaptation choices and creative process in detail. This transparency regarding artistic decision-making elevates Frankenstein beyond mere entertainment into educational resource for understanding adaptation and filmmaking craft.