Guillermo Del Toro Is Making His Own Franchise Of Monster Movies

By Chad Langen | Updated

guillermo del toro
Guillermo del Toro

Today’s film industry is characterized by interconnected narratives and characters, a technique employed by studios to reduce financial risks and leverage the probable success of franchise films. Cinematic universes have even seen participation from horror film creators such as James Wan and James Blum. The latest addition to this league, crafting his own horror universe, is celebrated director Guillermo del Toro, as reported by Comic Book.

Guillermo del Toro is allegeldy setting up a monster cinematic universe beginning with his adaptation of Frankenstein.

During a recent interview with The Academy’s A.frame, J. Miles Dale said that Guillermo del Toro has already established his cinematic universe with his Oscar-winning movie, The Shape of Water. The producer, who is collaborating on del Toro’s forthcoming film, Frankenstein, suggested that The Shape of Water could be viewed as a creature narrative.

Dale then alluded that the upcoming adaptation of Mary Shelley’s gothic horror novel will serve as the second offering in del Toro’s unfolding “Monster Universe.”

Dale also revealed that Guillermo del Toro initially had plans to develop the Monster Universe with Universal, consisting of iconic figures like Frankenstein’s Bride, The Wolf Man, and Creature from the Black Lagoon. However, these plans didn’t materialize.

Guillermo del Toro was originally going to work with Universal on a Monster Universe, but plans fell through, so now he’s doing it on his own.

The renowned director, known for his longstanding aspiration to adapt Frankenstein as far back as 2008, appears to be fully committed to developing his own unique universe.

The last two movies helmed by Guillermo del Toro, Nightmare Alley, and Pinocchio, were lauded by critics and received numerous accolades. Released in 2021, Nightmare Alley received four Oscar nominations, including Best Picture. On the other hand, del Toro’s 2022 adaptation of Pinocchio won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film.

Guillermo del Toro’s Pinnocchio

Guillermo del Toro is celebrated for his prowess in crafting compelling and emotionally resonant films seamlessly fused with stunning visual effects. His artistry creates immersive cinematic experiences that blend intellectual engagement and aesthetic appeal.

This reputation has set the stage for anticipation surrounding his forthcoming adaptation of Frankenstein, as viewers eagerly await another potential masterpiece from the acclaimed filmmaker.

While specific narrative details for Frankenstein remain undisclosed, the source material, Mary Shelley’s novel, tells the tale of Victor Frankenstein, a Swiss natural science student who concocts a humanoid entity from fragments of the deceased, imbuing life into it.

Initially seeking acceptance, this creation only manages to evoke disgust from those it encounters. Guillermo del Toro, in addition to directing the upcoming movie, also penned the screenplay.

Guillermo del Toro is directing Andrew Garfield, Oscar Isaac, and Mia Goth in his upcoming Frankenstein movie.

Andrew Garfield, Oscar Isaac, and Mia Goth are confirmed as part of the cast for the film. While their exact roles haven’t been officially disclosed, our trusted and proven sources say Garfield is slated to portray Frankenstein’s monster, and Oscar Isaac is believed to assume the role of the creature’s eccentric creator. It is expected that Mia Goth will be featured as Dr. Frankenstein’s romantic interest.

Guillermo del Toro is also developing an animated adventure film, The Buried Giant, which is currently in its pre-production phase. The plot revolves around Axl and Beatrice, a couple embarking on a quest to locate their son, who they haven’t seen for a while and barely remember. Del Toro is not only directing the film, but he also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Kazuo Ishiguro and Dennis Kelly.