Guillermo del Toro’sFrankensteinis the latest adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic 1818 novel. The story follows a brilliant scientist who brings to life an unnatural creature in a disturbing experiment. However, his obsession with creating and controlling life leads to the downfall of both himself and his creation. It’s a story that considers the question, “Who is the monster, and who is the man?”
The story has been adapted many times, with the most famous retelling being 1931’sFrankenstein, featuringBoris Karloff as the monster. Over the years, many other directors have put their own spin on the story, such as Kenneth Branagh in 1994 and Mel Brooks with 1974’sYoung Frankenstein.
However, there is arguably no director more perfect for this story than del Toro. He is known for his unique approach to horror stories, especially ones that explore monsters vs. humanity,like inThe Shape of Water. His film premieres on Netflix in November, andhe’s brought together a fantastic ensemble cast to resurrect this story once again.
Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein
Date Of Birth: July 15, 2025
Actor:Oscar Isaac was born in Guatemala and moved with his family to the United States at a very young age. He studied acting at Julliard and had roles in stage productions and in films like Ridley Scott’sBody of Lies.His breakthrough role came in 2013’sInside Llewyn Davis, and the actor has since starred in several major franchises, including Marvel,Star Wars, andDune.
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2021
Moon Knight
2022
Character:Victor Frankenstein is the main character of Shelley’s classic novel. He is an intelligent and determined scientist who discovers a way to reanimate dead parts into a living being. However, he is also a cowardly man, and his disdain for his creature leads to a bitter path of vengeance for both.
Jacob Elordi as The Monster
Date Of Birth: June 21, 2025
Actor:Jacob Elordi was born in Australia in 1997 and earned his first acting role in 2018’sSwinging Safari. His breakthrough roles in Netflix’sThe Kissing Boothfilms and HBO’sEuphoriagave him a reputation as a Gen Z heartthrob. In recent years, he has received acclaim for his roles inSaltburnandPriscilla.
2018
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2023
Saltburn
Character:Elordi has a challenging role asFrankenstein’s Monster in del Toro’sFrankenstein, replacing Andrew Garfield after he dropped out. Unlike other popular adaptations, the monster in the novel is a highly intelligent being with a burning hatred for his creator. It’s a drastically different role for Elordi, who can’t use his good looks this time to charm the crowd.
Mia Goth as Elizabeth Lavenza
Date Of Birth: July 16, 2025
Actor:Mia Goth was born in London in 1993 and began acting at 16, earning a role in Lars von Trier’sNymphomaniac. She later appeared in films likeA Cure for WellnessandHigh Life, but gained recognition thanks toher role as Maxine Minx in Ti West’sXtrilogy. She is also set to appear inChristopher Nolan’sThe Odysseyin 2026.
MaXXXine
2024
Character:Elizabeth Lavenza is Victor’s fiancé. In the original novel, she is also Victor’s cousin, but the 1831 revised third edition changed it so she was his adopted sister.She is a source of emotional support for Victor, especially as he deals with the guilt of his creation. Her story has changed in many adaptations, and Goth will bring more depth to this character.
Frankenstein Supporting Cast & Characters
Christoph Waltz as Harlander:Harlander is a wealthy arms merchant and Victor’s patron. Not much else is known about the character, since he is a new addition not included in the original novel. Waltz is best known forhis Academy Award-winning performances inInglourious BasterdsandDjango Unchained.
Ralph Ineson as Professor Krempe:Professor Krempe is a natural philosophy professor who taught Victor during his time at university. While he is an influential figure, he is also disturbed by his ambitious experiment. Ineson has appeared in horror movies likeThe WitchandNosferatu, and recently made his MCU debut asGalactus inThe Fantastic Four: First Steps.
Charles Dance as Leopold Frankenstein:Leopold is Victor’s father, receiving a name change from Shelley’s novel. In the book, his father, Alphonse, is a loving and generous man who represents the antithesis of how Victor treats his creation. Dance has been in many projects over his long career, buthe is best known for playing Tywin Lannister inGame of Thrones.
Lars Mikkelsen as Captain Anderson:It’s unclear who Captain Anderson is, buthe may be a substitute for Robert Walton. In the novel, Walton is an explorer who rescues Victor and hears his story, serving as the framing for the narrative. Mikkelsen is known for playingGrand Admiral Thrawn inAhsokaand voicing the character inStar Wars Rebels.
Burn Gorman as Fritz:Fritz is Frankenstein’s assistant, first created in the 1823 playPresumption; or, the Fate of Frankenstein. He is often depicted as a hunchback, and is sometimes referred to as Igor. Gorman has appeared in many notable projects, but audiences may recognize him from his roles inThe Dark Knight Rises,Pacific Rim, orBeetlejuice Beetlejuice.
David Bradley as Blind Man:Bradley is a British acting legend who is primarily known to international audiences for his roles as Argus Filch in theHarry Potterfilms and Walder Frey inGame of Thrones. His credit of “Blind Man” is rather vague, but it will be interesting to see how prominent his role is.
Felix Kammerer as William Frankenstein:William is Victor’s youngest brother who is killed by the monster as vengeance for abandoning him.His death represents a loss of innocence for both Victor and the monster, who has now committed his first act of violence against his creator. Kammerer is a German actor who recently portrayed the lead role in 2022’sAll Quiet on the Western Front.
