Academy Award–winning actor Christoph Waltz is stepping into gothic horror in Guillermo del Toro’s upcoming adaptation of Frankenstein, but it isn’t just the story that has him captivated. In a recent interview, Waltz praised del Toro’s unwavering commitment to practical effects over heavy reliance on CGI, calling the director’s approach “a return to the art of authentic filmmaking.”
Frankenstein: A Vision Rooted in the Tangible
At the 2025 Venice Film Festival, where Frankenstein premiered, director Guillermo del Toro emphasized his decision to “largely shun computerised special effects” in favor of elaborate practical set designs, custom-made creature prosthetics, and immersive physical environments.
In an article from Reuters.com, he stated in an interview that by placing actors in “a real lab with real windows, with real height, with real giant batteries,” performers could react more authentically to the world around them. And in a moment that elicited laughter from the press, Christoph Waltz chimed in with his own pointed critique of digital effects, quipping, “CGI is for losers”.
Del Toro’s Artistic Philosophy
Del Toro’s vision for Frankenstein emphasizes a return to tactile filmmaking—where physical sets and tangible creature effects foster genuine performances. His approach aligns with a broader cinematic tradition that values craftsmanship and realism over digital trickery. Waltz’s endorsement reinforces this perspective, underscoring the emotional and psychological benefits actors receive when interacting with real-world elements.
About This Version of Film
Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein is a bold, gothic reimagining of Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel—one that seeks to emphasize not only the horror of the story but also the aching humanity at its core. The film follows Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein, the brilliant but tortured scientist whose obsessive quest to conquer death gives rise to a tragedy of monstrous proportions.
The Creature, played by Jacob Elordi, is at once terrifying and sympathetic, reflecting Shelley’s original vision of a being cast adrift between life and death, yearning for acceptance yet doomed by society’s rejection. Mia Goth portrays a major role tied to Frankenstein’s personal life, adding emotional resonance to the gothic tale, while Christoph Waltz steps into a mysterious, authoritative character said to embody both menace and philosophical weight.
True to del Toro’s reputation, the film blends elaborate period design with haunting atmosphere. Early looks at Frankenstein showcase sweeping 19th-century sets, candlelit laboratories, and creature prosthetics that highlight the filmmaker’s preference for tactile artistry over CGI. Premiering in competition at the 2025 Venice Film Festival on August 30, the film is already positioned as an awards-season contender. Netflix will release Frankenstein in select theaters beginning October 17, 2025, before making it available to stream globally on November 7, 2025.
