Netflix unveils Guillermo del Toro’s 'Frankenstein' trailer featuring Jacob Elordi

Frankenstein earns early acclaim on festival circuit as Netflix sets limited theatrical release before debut

Netflix has released the official trailer for Guillermo del Toro’s highly anticipated Frankenstein, offering the first extended look at Jacob Elordi in the role of the iconic monster. Elordi’s portrayal, marked by a haunting voice and a dramatically transformed appearance, had been kept mostly hidden in earlier teasers.

The trailer also provides fresh glimpses of Oscar Isaac as the reclusive scientist Victor Frankenstein and Mia Goth as Elizabeth Lavenza, his bride-to-be. The visuals highlight the film’s sweeping fantasy settings — from a frozen ocean harbor to an extravagant ballroom — underscoring del Toro’s signature gothic aesthetic.

Frankenstein has been generating buzz throughout the fall festival season. The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival and later made surprise appearances at the Telluride and Toronto International Film Festivals. At TIFF, it was named runner-up for the prestigious People’s Choice Award, a recognition often seen as a strong indicator of Oscar potential.

Del Toro, who won an Academy Award for The Shape of Water, has long expressed a personal connection to the Frankenstein story. In an interview with Variety during the Venice Film Festival, he explained, “The usual discourse of Frankenstein has to do with science gone awry. But for me, it’s about the human spirit. It’s not a cautionary tale: It’s about forgiveness, understanding, and the importance of listening to each other.”

Netflix plans to release Frankenstein in select theaters for an awards-qualifying run beginning October 17. The film will debut on the streaming platform globally on November 7.

With a visionary director, a compelling cast, and strong early reviews, Frankenstein is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about films of the fall.