Oscar Isaac and Guillermo del Toro Discuss Their New Frankenstein Adaptation

Los Angeles, CA — Oscar Isaac and Guillermo del Toro‘s long-anticipated adaptation of Mary Shelley‘s Frankenstein premiered in select theaters on October 31, 2025, and will be available on Netflix starting November 7. In a recent conversation, the pair delved into their shared connection through culture and storytelling, highlighting the film’s Latin influences.

Del Toro noted that he and Isaac bonded during an early meeting over their Latin heritage. He said, ‘I think that one of the things we connected over that dinner was our Latinness. Because obviously the shadow of the father looms differently in the Latin family.’ Isaac affirmed this by speaking on the strong patriarchal figures often depicted.

Del Toro emphasized the film’s reflection of Latin culture, stating, ‘The swarthy Catholicism of the film… the intensity of emotions, it’s very Mexican.’ He drew parallels to his cinematic inspirations, mentioning a classic 1949 film, La Oveja Negra, starring the iconic Pedro Infante. Isaac incorporated Infante’s masculine energy into his portrayal of Victor, saying, ‘We used that one moment when [Victor] comes back to ask for a bride.’ He described a scene where he dismisses the character, quoting, ‘That was a little nod.’

From a filmmaker’s perspective, del Toro highlighted unique moments that arose from their shared background. ‘Those moments… you determine only from a Latin culture,’ he explained. Isaac reflected on his journey in Hollywood, where he felt the pressure to overcome stereotypes as a Latino actor. ‘The only way I can succeed is by being excellent and better than everyone else at this thing,’ he said.

The director’s vision for Victor, he shared, was for him to possess ‘swagger and sensuality.’ He believed that casting Isaac was essential for portraying a character that aligns with his own cultural identity. ‘The Victor that I really believe would be a fresh Victor is a Victor that had swagger and sensuality and flair,’ del Toro explained.

As filming progressed, del Toro used both specific acting choices and grand visuals. Isaac reminisced about direction he received for a pivotal moment, where his character interacts with Mia Goth, saying, ‘It was like you have to walk from his left shoulder past him and then you stop and you turn back.’

Moreover, del Toro acknowledged his roots, humorously stating, ‘There’s no pessimism in me. I’m Mexican. I like Death. I welcome it.’ He made it clear that his culture deeply influences his work. ‘I think you cannot deny what you are, who you are. And what moves you in any act of artistic expression ever.’

As del Toro’s adaptation prepares to challenge the classic narrative of Frankenstein, both he and Isaac share hopes for audiences to connect with the film on a deeper level. They wish to translate the struggles of father-son relationships through the lens of their own cultural experiences. ‘It’s a father-son story at its core,’ del Toro concluded, embodying themes of connection and understanding in the new film.