Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein Is Getting a Short, Select Theatrical Run — Hits Oct. 17, Netflix Nov. 7
Netflix announced that Guillermo del Toro’s film Frankenstein will get a limited theatrical release in “select” theaters before arriving on the streaming service. The movie is slated to open in theaters on Oct. 17 and will debut on Netflix on Nov. 7, though Netflix has not yet disclosed which theaters or how many will screen it.
- What the release plan is and the exact dates.
- Who stars in the film and how del Toro describes its tone.
- How this fits with previous Netflix theatrical releases.
Release plan
Netflix confirmed a short, limited theatrical run for Frankenstein. Specifically, the film will play in “select” theaters starting Oct. 17, and then arrive on Netflix on Nov. 7. At this time, there are no details from Netflix about which theaters will screen the film or the number of locations.
Cast and tone
The film adapts Mary Shelley’s novel in a relatively straightforward way. It stars Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein and Jacob Elordi as his creation. Mia Goth plays Elizabeth, Victor’s fiancée, and Christoph Waltz appears as the wealthy patron Harlander.
Regarding the film’s tone, Guillermo del Toro said at the Cannes Film Festival: “It’s as personal as anything. I’m asking a question about being a father, being a son… I’m not doing a horror movie — ever.”
Del Toro’s background
Del Toro began his career in horror with films such as Cronos, Mimic, and The Devil’s Backbone. Since then, he has expanded into dark fairy tales and parables like Pan’s Labyrinth and The Shape of Water, as well as science fiction and superheroes. Frankenstein may blend those influences, but Netflix’s announcement focuses on the release plan rather than genre details.
Theatrical context
This is not the first time a Netflix film has received a theatrical window before streaming. For example, Luther: The Fallen Sun and Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery both played in theaters prior to becoming available on Netflix. Likewise, Netflix has not yet said whether other upcoming titles, such as Rian Johnson’s Wake Up Dead Man, will receive theatrical runs.
FRANKENSTEIN, a film by Guillermo del Toro
Starring Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, Mia Goth, and Christoph Waltz. Coming to select theaters October 17 and on Netflix November 7. pic.twitter.com/zdYFoq9cUR
— Netflix (@netflix) August 18, 2025
For now, fans and theaters will be watching for further details from Netflix about where Frankenstein will screen and how limited the theatrical window will be.
