Netflix’s Frankenstein becomes Guillermo del Toro’s second-most expensive movie ever. Written and directed 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’s Frankenstein cast includes 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 Galᴀsso, Burn Gorman, Christian Convery (Sweet Tooth), and Game of Thrones stars David Bradley, Charles Dance, and Ralph Ineson.

During an interview with Variety, Guillermo del Toro revealed that Frankenstein‘s budget is $120 million, the second-most expensive movie of his career, behind 2013’s Pacific Rim ($190 million), and the most expensive Frankenstein movie 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 big on Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, both in terms of its commercial and awards season prospects. For comparison, del Toro’s animated Pinocchio (2022) cost Netflix $35 million, and the streamer was willing to more than triple that for his live-action Frankenstein. Check out the chart comparing the budgets for del Toro’s movies:

By spending a big budget of $120 million, Netflix is hoping that del Toro’s Frankenstein will 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’s Frankenstein a limited theatrical release on October 17.

In addition to commercial success, Netflix is banking on del Toro’s Frankenstein becoming involved in awards season. Del Toro is a six-time Oscar nominee, winning Best Picture and Best Director for The Shape of Water and Best Animated Feature Film for Netflix’s Pinocchio. Frankenstein will 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’s Frankenstein, 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’s Frankenstein could become one of Netflix’s biggest releases ever, all around, in terms of both popularity and acclaim.