The upcoming Frankenstein film from Guillermo del Toro is drawing industry attention for its meticulous use of color and historical detail. New insights from the production team reveal how authentic palettes shaped the look of Victorian-era Edinburgh. Production designer Tamara Deverell and costume designer Kate Hawley explained how color reflected Victor Frankenstein’s emotional descent throughout the story. Their work also extended to major practical builds, including a fully engineered Royal Danish Navy ship. The latest breakdown highlights how Frankenstein blends historical accuracy with modern cinematic craftsmanship.
Production Approach and Creative Vision
Pre-production for Frankenstein began with extensive museum research. Deverell toured scientific archives, including the Ontarian museum, to study authentic Evelyn tables and 1850s medical equipment. This research informed the film’s textured recreation of Edinburgh, grounding the production in verifiable period realism.
Costume designer Kate Hawley collaborated closely to craft a palette reflecting Victor Frankenstein’s psychological collapse. Edinburgh’s environment is depicted through cold tones, wet cobblestone textures, and muted stone colors. Characters like Lady Elizabeth Harlander introduce controlled pops of color to contrast the bleakness surrounding Victor’s journey.
The Creature, played by Jacob Elordi, was designed using historically accurate prosthetics inspired by real Crimean War cadavers. Prosthetics designer Mike Hill emphasized that every material used in the build was “vintage and of the period,” ensuring the monster looked consistent with 1800s anatomy and decay.
Quotes or Reactions
Deverell explained the team’s early process:
“One of the first things we did was go to museums. We saw the equipment and tools of the trade of that period.”
Hawley highlighted the emotional function of color:
“There’s a beautiful tone of melancholy and mood. That affected how we did color.”
Hill reinforced the historical commitment to the Creature’s look:
“We wanted this creature to feel like he stepped out of the 1800s.”
Director Guillermo del Toro connected the adaptation to Mary Shelley’s legacy:
“My hope is people don’t say, ‘Oh, the movie is the book,’ but discover Mary Shelley.”
How It Shapes the Film’s Outcome
The production’s attention to authentic textures and palettes elevates Frankenstein beyond a standard gothic adaptation. The grounded colors create emotional continuity between the characters and their environment. These choices also support del Toro’s preference for practical effects over digital elements.
By constructing a full-scale gimbal-mounted ship for the opening scenes, the film delivers physical realism that strengthens its narrative weight. The approach may set a new benchmark for period horror productions and reinforce del Toro’s influence as a director who prioritizes tangible world-building.
Upcoming Announcements
Additional cast and production reveals are expected in early 2026. Awards conversations have already begun, with Frankenstein appearing on multiple early prediction lists. A full-length trailer is also expected to debut in the coming months. The film aims to introduce Mary Shelley’s classic to a new generation while honoring its iconic themes.
Sources
Variety
The Hollywood Reporter
Reuters
Netflix Media
Production team interviews
