Del Toro's 20-Year Journey to Frankenstein

Guillermo del Toro might just be as driven by obsession as Dr. Frankenstein himself.

At this week's Next on Netflix preview event, the writer-director shared a video message offering a glimpse of his eagerly awaited—and long-in-development—adaptation of Frankenstein. Although del Toro has confirmed a trailer won’t be released until this summer, Netflix did unveil a first-look image of Oscar Isaac portraying the legendary, titular mad scientist (see above).

“This story has been on my mind since I was a child—for 50 years,” del Toro said in the video, as covered by Variety. “I’ve spent the last 20 to 25 years trying to bring it to life. Some might even say I’m a little obsessed with Frankenstein.” As he spoke those final words, he gestured toward the countless Frankenstein figures and collectibles that fill his dedicated Frankenstein room in his iconic Bleak House.

Del Toro also shared snippets of footage, showing Isaac’s Victor Frankenstein “confronting Mia Goth, who appears as a poised aristocrat,” and revealing Jacob Elordi’s version of the monster—complete with “long black hair, gray stitched-up skin, and a subtle red gleam in his eyes.” (The footage has not been made available online at this time.)

“Over the decades, the character has merged with my spirit so profoundly it’s become a form of autobiography,” del Toro added. “It doesn’t get more personal than this.”

In fact, the director behind Pan’s Labyrinth and Hellboy isn’t overstating when he says he’s invested years—decades, even—into bringing Frankenstein to the screen. Here’s a brief look at the surprisingly long journey of Netflix’s Frankenstein adaptation…