Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein just got slapped with an R rating for “bloody violence and grisly images”—and horror fans are salivating. After years of development hell, the Oscar-winning director's passion project is finally stitched together and shambling toward its November 2025 Netflix debut.
This isn't your grandma's monster movie. Del Toro's adaptation promises a faithful yet unflinching take on Mary Shelley's 1818 novel, complete with Arctic chases and existential dread. Oscar Isaac stars as the obsessive Dr. Victor Frankenstein, while Jacob Elordi dons the bolts as the tragic Creature. The cast is rounded out by Mia Goth, Christoph Waltz, and Charles Dance—because why not throw Tywin Lannister into the mix?
Del Toro has been dreaming of this film for decades. He first announced plans in 2007, but the project languished until Netflix revived it in 2023. Now, with the MPA's R rating confirming the film's gruesome content, it's clear that del Toro isn't pulling punches.
The teaser trailer unveiled at Netflix's Tudum event offers a glimpse into the film's gothic aesthetic and emotional depth. Del Toro has emphasized that while the film contains horror elements, it's fundamentally a story about fatherhood and identity.
So, will del Toro's Frankenstein be a masterpiece or a monstrous misstep? With its R rating and star-studded cast, it's shaping up to be one of the most anticipated releases of the year. But as with any adaptation of a beloved classic, opinions are bound to be divided.
