Guillermo del Toro, a name synonymous with evocative narrative cinema, has found his newest collaborator in Christoph Waltz for his long-cherished project, ‘Frankenstein’. With filming slated to commence in early 2024, this adaptation of Mary Shelley’s iconic novel is already buzzing with anticipation. Waltz, known for his nuanced performances, is joining a star-studded cast including Andrew Garfield, Mia Goth, and Oscar Isaac, promising a cinematic endeavor rich in talent and potential.
In a recent tête-à-tête with Collider, del Toro revealed his exhilaration about finally bringing his 50-year dream project to life. He shared, “I’m doing Frankenstein. We’re working on it. We start shooting in February, and it’s a movie I have been wanting to do for 50 years since I saw the first Frankenstein. I had an epiphany, and it’s basically a movie that required a lot of growth and a lot of tools that I couldn’t have done 10 years ago. Now I’m brave or crazy enough or something, and we’re gonna tackle it. It’s Oscar Isaac, Andrew Garfield, Christoph Waltz, Mia Goth, and we’re working on it”.
Rekindling a Past Alliance: Waltz and Del Toro
The alliance between Waltz and del Toro isn’t a novel one. The duo previously allied for the 2023’s animated feature, ‘Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio’, where Waltz lent his voice to the character of Count Volpe. This previous successful collaboration sets an optimistic precedent for their upcoming venture together in ‘Frankenstein’.
The lore of ‘Frankenstein’ has fascinated del Toro for decades, inspiring him to ink a deal with Universal back in 2008 with the hope of adapting Shelley’s classic. Although this initial endeavor didn’t materialize, the flame of aspiration continued to burn, finding its spark again in 2023 when the project was revived for Netflix. Alongside directing, del Toro is also penning the screenplay and producing the film, with Gary Ungar co-producing and Alexandre Desalt orchestrating the musical score.
The union of Waltz’s acting prowess with del Toro’s visionary direction, underscored by a compelling narrative and a talented ensemble cast, ‘Frankstein’ is poised to be a remarkable addition to the gothic horror genre. While the release date remains under wraps, the growing excitement surrounding the project is undeniable. The meticulous crafting of this classic tale is not just a promising cinematic venture, but a homage to the indelible narrative crafted by Mary Shelley centuries ago.
