Netflix’sFrankensteinbecomes Guillermo del Toro’s second-most expensive movie ever. Written anddirected by del Toro, based on Mary Shelley’s iconic 1818 novel, the upcoming Netflix film follows the gifted yet arrogant scientist, Victor Frankenstein, who gives life to a being through a reckless experiment, setting in motion the downfall of both himself and the sorrowful creature he created.
Guillermo del Toro’sFrankensteincastincludes Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein, Jacob Elordi as the monster, Mia Goth, two-time Oscar-winner Christoph Waltz (Inglourious Basterds,Django Unchained), Felix Kammerer, Lauren Collins, Lars Mikkelsen, Sofia Galasso, Burn Gorman, Christian Convery (Sweet Tooth), andGame of Thronesstars David Bradley, Charles Dance, and Ralph Ineson.
During an interview withVariety,Guillermo del Toro revealed thatFrankenstein’s budget is $120 million, the second-most expensive movie of his career, behind 2013’sPacific Rim($190 million), and the most expensiveFrankensteinmovie ever made. Though it cost $120 million, the director says he aims to make every film look like it’s worth double. Read his full comments below:
It took around 120 days and cost around $120 million. Whatever budget I get, I always say it should look like it cost double. Shape of Water was made for $19.3 million and I wanted it to look like a $50 million movie. Pacific Rim, which cost $190 million, I wanted it to look like $400 million. I think it is my fiduciary duty as a producer, and my artistic duty as a director, to have my ambitions always exceed the budget.
What This Means For Guillermo Del Toro’s Frankenstein
With a budget of $120 million,Netflix is betting bigonGuillermo del Toro’sFrankenstein, both in terms of its commercial and awards season prospects. For comparison, del Toro’s animatedPinocchio(2022) cost Netflix $35 million, and the streamer was willing to more than triple that for his live-actionFrankenstein. Check out the chart comparing the budgets for del Toro’s movies:
Frankenstein(2025)
$120M
By spending a big budget of $120 million, Netflix is hoping that del Toro’sFrankensteinwill attract a large audience because of its iconic source material, but also its star-studded cast led by Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, Christoph Waltz, and certified scream queen Mia Goth. Netflix is also confident enough to give del Toro’sFrankensteina limited theatrical release on October 17.
In addition to commercial success, Netflix is banking on del Toro’sFrankensteinbecoming involved in awards season. Del Toro is a six-time Oscar nominee, winning Best Picture and Best Director forThe Shape of Waterand Best Animated Feature Film for Netflix’sPinocchio.Frankensteinwill premiere at the Venice Film Festival on August 30, where it will have the chance to garner some early awards buzz.
Our Take On Guillermo Del Toro’s Frankenstein’s Budget
With a budget of $120 million, Netflix is showing immense confidence in Guillermo del Toro’sFrankenstein, banking on its star-studded cast, iconic source material, and acclaimed director. Netflix is even confident enough to give it a limited theatrical release, which is rare for the streamer. As a result, del Toro’sFrankensteincould become one of Netflix’s biggest releases ever, all around, in terms of both popularity and acclaim.
