Just when movie fans thought Netflix was making an exception for Greta Gerwig’s Narnia by giving it a theatrical release, the streamer did the same for Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein. Netflix has often skipped theaters for its movies, surprising many with this change. Gerwig finally got her wish with a big-screen release, and now Frankenstein is following the same path. It seems Netflix is pushing harder for Oscar recognition with this move.
Award season has just begun, and the Oscars are still on the way, but Netflix is already planning its next big move. Now, everyone is watching to see what happens with Frankenstein.
On Puck’s The Town podcast with Matthew Belloni, Netflix’s chief content officer, Bela Bajaria, discussed why Netflix usually skips theatrical releases and what changed for Greta Gerwig’s Narnia. When the conversation shifted to Frankenstein and whether Guillermo del Toro’s film would receive the same treatment, Bajaria said about him and Noah Baumbach:
They know that they’re going to get a bespoke qualifying run.
Bajaria stands by her belief that Netflix is the best place for filmmakers who want their movies to reach a bigger audience. Narnia just recently secured its theatrical release, and now with Frankenstein added to the list, Netflix seems to be aiming for the Oscars next year. To qualify, a movie must play in theaters in six major cities for at least seven days, and Netflix looks ready to meet that requirement.
Related: Andrew Garfield Regrets Turning Down Guillermo Del Toro’s ‘Frankenstein’ Role
Both audiences and Netflix have high hopes for Frankenstein, but the exact release date for this highly anticipated movie is still a mystery.
About two weeks ago, Netflix shared a first-look image of Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, confirming a November release. The image features Oscar Isaac as the famous scientist, holding a vial. During the Next on Netflix event, del Toro appeared in a prerecorded message, showing exclusive footage while giving a tour of his Frankenstein-themed room at LA’s Bleak House.
Surrounded by hundreds of Frankenstein figurines, del Toro admitted, “I’m a little obsessed with Frankenstein.” He shared that he has been working on this project for 20–25 years, making it deeply personal—so much so that he sees the character as his “autobiography.” The footage also showed a chilling glimpse of Jacob Elordi as Frankenstein’s monster, but knowing del Toro, this is just a small peek at what’s to come.
Are you excited to see Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein in theaters thanks to Netflix? Share your thoughts in the comments!