Guillermo del Toro's long-gestating adaptation of Frankenstein is centered around the theme of forgiveness.
Key Points
Oscar Isaac, Mia Goth, and Jacob Elordi lead a high-profile cast.
Frankenstein is now streaming on Netflix.
Frankensteinwas a project years in the making forGuillermo del Toro, the Oscar-winning filmmaker behind movies likePan's LabyrinthandThe Shape of Water. At long last, he got the opportunity to adapt Mary Shelley's gothic masterpiece for Netflix.
For del Toro, thisFrankensteinis deeply personal. He's described his story as one of pain, regret, and forgiveness, the latter being inspired by a conversation with his father.
As he explained toEntertainment Weekly, it's about "forgiving someone and forgiving yourself intobeing." He added, "What you realize is a grudge takes two prisoners and forgiveness liberates two people." Reflecting on the timing, he said, "I thought I could make the movie, but then I went,'No, thank God it didn't happen until now.'"
His vision paved the way for nine Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and a Best Supporting Actor nod for Jacob Elordi, who plays the Creature.
After its theatrical run,Frankensteinis now available to stream on Netflix. Below is an introduction to the cast ofFrankenstein— who they're playing and where you've seen them before.
Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein
Golden Globe winnerOscar Isaacis nothing if not versatile, with roles that include a struggling folkie inInside Llewyn Davis(2013), a driven mayor onShow Me a Hero(2015), and a rebellious X-wing fighter pilot in theStar Warssequel trilogy (2015–2019).
Isaac is also known for his roles on TV shows likeScenes from a Marriage(2021) and Marvel'sMoon Knight(2022), as well as an array of blockbusters that includeX-Men: Apocalypse(2016),Annihilation(2018), theSpider-Versefranchise (2018–present), andDune(2021).
Coming up, Isaac will headline season 2 of the Emmy-winning Netflix seriesBeefalongside three-time Oscar nominee Carey Mulligan.
Isaac plays the lead role of Victor Frankenstein, the scientist who creates life from death. Christian Convery (Sweet Tooth,Cocaine Bear) appears as a young Victor.
Speaking with EW, Isaac hinted that his version of Victor Frankenstein will be much different than past depictions. The actor shared that fans will witness the doctor go through "an entire arc of a human life," adding, "He himself becomes much more of a monster and a creature by the end of it."
Jacob Elordi as The Creature
Jacob Elordifirst broke out inThe Kissing Boothtrilogy (2018–2021), but it was his turn as toxic high school jock Nate Jacobs on HBO'sEuphoria(2019–present) that turned heads. He's since earned praise for his performance as Elvis Presley in Sofia Coppola'sPriscilla(2023) and as Felix Catton in Emerald Fennell'sSaltburn(2023).
Next up, Elordi will star opposite Margot Robbie in Fennell'sWuthering Heights.
Elordi takes on the role of The Creature, a.k.a. Frankenstein's monster, in del Toro'sFrankenstein. According to the director, Elordi's connection to the monster ran deep.
"He said something to me that was touching and real: 'This creature is more me than me,'" del Tororecalled to EW. "He said, 'And people don't know that, and I'm going to be able to be myself through this.' He brought a truth to this performance that's really something to behold."
Mia Goth as Elizabeth Harlander and Claire Frankenstein
Mia Gothhas earned her place as a scream queen thanks to breakout performances in Ti West'sXtrilogy(2022–2024), playing adult film star Maxine Minx and killer Pearl Douglas.
Next, she's set to star in two major projects: Christopher Nolan'sThe Odysseyand Shawn Levy'sStar Wars: Starfighter.
InFrankenstein, Goth takes on two roles. The first is Elizabeth, William's fiancée. The other is Victor and William's late mother, Claire. Del Toro toldEllethat he tailored the role of Elizabeth specifically for Goth after hearing her speak about motherhood and her desire to "care about another human being selflessly."
Felix Kammerer as William Frankenstein
Felix Kammerer is best known for his powerful debut as soldier Paul Bäumer in the Oscar-winningAll Quiet on the Western Front(2022). Since then, Kammerer has appeared on the Netflix miniseriesAll the Light We Cannot See(2023) and in the historical survival dramaEden(2024), among other projects.
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Here, Kammerer portrays William Frankenstein, Victor's younger brother and the "golden child." In an October 2025 interview withNuméro Netherlands, the actor described the experience as "a journey," especially working alongside Isaac.
"We brought those characters alive while interacting with each other," he said. "Sometimes it felt like they needed each other to really exist. You need William for Victor and you need Victor for William. Otherwise it wouldn't really work."
Charles Dance as Baron Leopold Frankenstein
Throughout his long career,Charles Dancehas played no shortage of imposing, calculating characters. With his unmistakable voice and commanding presence, Dance has left his mark on everything from andAlien 3(1992) andMichael Collins(1996) toGame of Thrones(2011–2015) andThe Crown(2019–2020).
Dance plays Baron Leopold Frankenstein, the father of Victor and William. Fun fact: Dance portrayed the very same character in 2015'sVictor Frankenstein.In del Toro's version, however, the father-son dynamic takes a darker turn.
Rather than the "very kind, doting father" seen in previous adaptations, Isaac described this Baron to EW as "a very domineering father that's quite abusive but that expects so much of him. And in fact, somebody that Victor blames for the death of his beloved mother."
Christoph Waltz as Henrich Harlander
Christoph Waltzis a two-time Oscar winner for his roles in Quentin Tarantino'sInglourious Basterds(2009) andDjango Unchained(2012).
Audiences might also recognize the veteran actor for playing the villainous Ernst Stavro Blofeld in the James Bond filmsSpectre(2015) andNo Time to Die(2021), or as billionaire Sebastian "Bash" Steed in season 5 ofOnly Murders in the Building(2025).
Now, Waltz steps into the shoes of Henrich Harlander, a powerful and wealthy arms dealer who funds Victor's dangerous experiments.
Lars Mikkelsen as Captain Anderson
Lars Mikkelsen, the older brother of actor Mads Mikkelsen, rose to fame in Danish film and TV productions before being introduced to Western audiences with roles onHouse of Cards(2015–2018) andThe Witcher(2019–present).
He's also aStar Warsstaple, playing the calculatingGrand Admiral ThrawnonStar Wars Rebels(2016–2018),Ahsoka(2023), andStar Wars: Tales of the Empire(2024).
InFrankenstein, Mikkelsen plays Captain Anderson, the captain who comes upon an ailing Victor Frankenstein in the Arctic.
David Bradley as The Blind Man
David Bradley's played baddies in two of the biggest franchise's of this century. He starred as Hogwarts caretaker Argus Filch in theHarry Potterfilms (2001–2011), and helped orchestrate the bloody Red Wedding as Lord Walder Frey onGame of Thrones(2011–2017).
He's also collaborated with del Toro before, voicing Geppetto in del Toro's Oscar-winning adaptation ofPinocchio(2022), as well as Merlin on the animated seriesTrollhunters: Tales of Arcadia(2017–2018).
Bradley reunites with del Toro forFrankenstein, playing a character called The Blind Man. The actor toldMetrothat "there's a similarity" inPinocchioandFrankenstein.
"It's someone who wants to play God creating a human being and then rejects it," he explained. "And in a way, that's what Geppetto did with Pinocchio, and that's what Frankenstein does with the Creature. So, it was nice to play someone on the other side of the fence who accepts him straight away because he can't see him."
Where can I watchFrankenstein?
Frankensteinis now streaming onNetflix.
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