Guillermo del Toro’s Future in Film: From Frankenstein to Epic Animation
Hollywood, 8 January 2026 – Guillermo del Toro, the acclaimed Mexican filmmaker, has recently completed his long-awaited adaptation of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, released on Netflix in November 2025. As he enters what he calls his “Regret Decade,” del Toro is shifting focus towards animation and new live-action thrillers, teasing projects that blend his signature gothic style with innovative storytelling.
Recent Triumph with Frankenstein
Del Toro’s Frankenstein, starring Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi, marks the culmination of a decades-long passion project. The film, which premiered theatrically in October 2025 before streaming on Netflix, has garnered praise for its faithful yet modern take on the classic tale. Del Toro drew inspiration from personal experiences, including his 2018 Oscar wins for Best Director and Best Picture for The Shape of Water, which influenced a key scene where the monster enters a house. He described the film as a reflection on existential questions, fusing life and death themes from Shelley’s work.
The director, who has won three Academy Awards in total—including Best Animated Feature for Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio in 2023—emphasised the practical effects used in Frankenstein, building massive sets to create an immersive world. Despite writing 42 screenplays over his career, only 13 have been produced, highlighting the challenges of the industry.
Upcoming Projects and Creative Shift
With Frankenstein completed, del Toro is moving towards animation. He announced plans to focus primarily on stop-motion films, starting with The Buried Giant, a Netflix project set for release. At the 2023 Annecy International Animation Film Festival, he expressed frustration over studio rejections but vowed to prioritise animation, stating he has “a couple more live-action movies” left.
One such live-action project is Fury, a thriller reuniting del Toro with Oscar Isaac. Described as a “very cruel, very violent” story reminiscent of Nightmare Alley, it centres on a murderous dinner where guests are eliminated between courses. Del Toro also teased an “epic” stop-motion movie, further cementing his shift away from live-action.
Throughout his career, del Toro has alternated between Spanish-language films like Pan’s Labyrinth and English-language blockbusters such as Pacific Rim and Hellboy II: The Golden Army. His work often explores fantasy, horror, and war themes, earning him numerous accolades, including BAFTA and Golden Globe wins.
Key Facts and Awards
| Film | Academy Awards (Nominations/Wins) |
|---|---|
| Pan’s Labyrinth (2006) | 6 Nominations / 3 Wins |
| The Shape of Water (2017) | 13 Nominations / 4 Wins |
| Nightmare Alley (2021) | 4 Nominations / 0 Wins |
| Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio (2022) | 1 Nomination / 1 Win (Best Animated Feature) |
| Frankenstein (2025) | Not yet announced |
Frequently Asked Questions
What inspired Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein?
Del Toro drew from Mary Shelley’s novel, his personal life, and even his Oscar-winning experience with The Shape of Water, shaping a scene where the monster enters a house.
What are del Toro’s upcoming projects?
He is working on Fury, a violent thriller with Oscar Isaac, and The Buried Giant, an epic stop-motion film for Netflix, as he transitions to animation.
How many Academy Awards has del Toro won?
Del Toro has won three Academy Awards: Best Director and Best Picture for The Shape of Water (2018), and Best Animated Feature for Pinocchio (2023).