Frankenstein: A Brief Timeline of Guillermo del Toro’s 20-Years-in-the-Making Horror Movie

Guillermo del Toro's obsession with Frankenstein might rival Dr. Frankenstein's own. During Netflix's recent preview event, a video message from the writer-director teased his long-awaited adaptation. While a trailer won't arrive until summer, Netflix unveiled a first-look image of Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein (see above).

"This film has been on my mind since childhood—for 50 years," del Toro shared, as reported by Variety. "I've been trying to make it for 20 to 25 years. In fact, some people may even think I am a little bit obsessed with Frankenstein." He gestured to the numerous Frankenstein figures and collectibles in his dedicated "Frankenstein room" at Bleak House.

Del Toro also showcased brief footage featuring Isaac's Victor Frankenstein "facing off with Mia Goth as a seemingly well-to-do aristocrat," and Jacob Elordi as Frankenstein's monster—described as having "long black hair, stitched-up gray skin, and a glint of red in his eyes." (This footage is currently unavailable online.)

"Over the decades, the character has fused with my soul in a way that it has become an autobiography," del Toro explained. "It doesn’t get more personal than this."

The director isn't exaggerating his long-standing commitment to bringing Frankenstein to the screen. The film's journey to production has been remarkably lengthy, a testament to del Toro's dedication.