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. Some might even think I'm a little obsessed." He gestured to his extensive Frankenstein collection in his Bleak House.

Del Toro also showcased footage featuring Isaac's Victor Frankenstein confronting Mia Goth, a seemingly wealthy aristocrat, and Jacob Elordi as Frankenstein's monster—described as having long black hair, stitched gray skin, and piercing red eyes. (This footage is currently unavailable online.)

"Over the decades, the character has fused with my soul; it's become an autobiography," del Toro explained. "It doesn't get more personal than this."

The Pan's Labyrinth and Hellboy director isn't exaggerating his long-standing commitment to bringing Frankenstein to the screen. The film's journey to production has been remarkably lengthy.