Adaptations in Hollywood have a different fan base. No matter how much fans fear the possibility of losing with adaptations, whenever Tinseltown shifts gear to pull out a cinematic retreat with cult classics, the anticipation is always through the roof. Case in point: Guillermo del Toro’s buzzing Frankenstein. While Frankenstein’s monster in Mary Shelley’s novel is the most symbolic representation of the “other,” del Toro’s adaptation is far from another horrific trial of the character, says the creator at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival.

Instead, del Toro’s adaptation diverges from the idea of terrific monstrosity, bringing forth a new take on the age-old tale of Frankenstein.  

In a conversation with Oscar-winning composer Alexandre Desplat at the Cannes Film Festival stage, Guillermo del Toro hinted at a more sympathetic approach to his Frankenstein (via Variety). Recalling an anonymous question he answered a few days ago about whether Frankenstein includes many “scary scenes,” del Toro straightened it out: “I’m not doing a horror movie.” In fact, that is not even his idea.

For del Toro, his Frankenstein adaptation is incredibly “personal” and “emotional” to an extent. “I’m asking a question about being a father, being a son…,” he explained. Desplat and del Toro took center stage to discuss their collaborations on The Shape of Water and Pinocchio to highlight the role of music in filmography. They have both joined forces for Frankenstein. And by the looks of it, they are harmonizing their approach to avoid predictable frights. 

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Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein could also enjoy a brief big-screen treatment before its Netflix debut. However, speaking of the music accompanying Frankenstein, Alexandre Desplat confirmed there is no place for “horrific music.”

During their on-stage discussion at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, Alexandre Desplat emphasized that just like Guillermo del Toro’s cinema is “lyrical,” so is his music. As a result, Frankenstein will not have “horrific music,” but “emotional.” Desplat and del Toro have yet to finalize the score of Frankenstein. However, they sound like it might not be long before they come to a decision. 

“We’re finding emotion,” del Toro explained. For him, tracing the emotion is a priority because the adaptation is incredibly personal to him. Frankenstein stars Jacob Elordi, Oscar Isaac, Mia Goth, Felix Kammerer, Lars Mikkelsen, David Bradley, Charles Dance, and Christopher Waltz. It is scheduled for a Netflix release in November 2025, with no confirmed date in sight yet.

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What do you think of Guillermo del Toro's diversion from the horrific approach to his Frankenstein adaptation? Let us know in the comments below!