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

Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro's long-awaited adaptation of Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" has finally arrived in select theaters, coinciding with the unprecedented release of the complete screenplay for pre-order online. The $120 million Netflix ↘ 0.72% production, starring Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi, represents the culmination of del Toro's decades-long passion project and marks a rare instance of a major filmmaker releasing his screenplay to the public before the film's wide release.

Del Toro's Decades-Long Dream Realized

Del Toro's "Frankenstein" opened in limited theatrical release on October 17, with plans to expand to more theaters before its Netflix streaming debut on November 7. The film premiered to positive reception at the Venice Film Festival in August, earning a 77% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics have particularly praised Jacob Elordi's performance as The Creature, with many calling it one of the standout performances of 2025.netflix+5

"This is, for me, the culmination of a journey that has occupied most of my life," del Toro said at Netflix's recent Tudum event. The director has been developing the project for over a decade, finally securing Netflix's backing for what he describes as more than a horror film. "As absurd as it might sound, I regard it as a biography of these characters," he explained to Variety.imdb+1

Screenplay Release Offers Rare Behind-the-Scenes Access

In an unusual move for a filmmaker of del Toro's stature, the complete screenplay for "Frankenstein" is now available for pre-order online ahead of the film's wide release. The 240-page hardcover edition, published by Insight Editions and priced at $29.99, includes concept art, film stills, and behind-the-scenes photography. The screenplay is set for release on November 25.variety+3

The decision to release the screenplay so early provides cinema enthusiasts a unique glimpse into del Toro's gothic reinterpretation of Shelley's 1818 novel. The director's version stays remarkably faithful to the source material while exploring themes of forgiveness, empathy, and communication rather than focusing solely on scientific hubris.variety+1

Critical Acclaim for Faithful Adaptation

Critics have noted that del Toro's adaptation aligns more closely with Shelley's original intentions than previous screen versions. The film features Oscar Isaac as the obsessive scientist Victor Frankenstein and Jacob Elordi as his tragic creation, supported by a cast including Mia Goth, Christoph Waltz, and Charles Dance.variety+3

Roger Ebert's review praised the film's philosophical depth, noting how it "believes in the story it's telling and resolves to delve into all of its philosophical and spiritual implications". The Hollywood Reporter awarded it a perfect score, calling it "one of del Toro's best works, offering an epic narrative marked by extraordinary beauty and emotional depth".rogerebert+1

With its limited theatrical run aimed at awards qualification and the rare early release of its screenplay, del Toro's "Frankenstein" represents both a personal artistic achievement and a bold approach to film distribution in the streaming era.