**Guillermo del Toro’s ‘Frankenstein’ Pays Subtle Homage to Boris Karloff’s Iconic Monster**
Guillermo del Toro, the acclaimed director behind Netflix’s new adaptation of Mary Shelley’s *Frankenstein*, revealed that his film includes a subtle tribute to Boris Karloff’s legendary portrayal of Frankenstein’s Monster. However, fans will have to look closely to spot it.
After a theatrical release on October 17, del Toro’s *Frankenstein* premiered on Netflix, where it is now streaming exclusively. Karloff immortalized the role of the Monster in Universal’s 1931 *Frankenstein*, later reprising the character in *The Bride of Frankenstein* (1935) and *Son of Frankenstein* (1939). Following Karloff, the role was portrayed by Lon Chaney Jr., Bela Lugosi, Glenn Strange, and others throughout Universal’s monster movie legacy.
The character of Frankenstein’s Monster has since appeared in hundreds of films and television shows. Notable portrayals include Christopher Lee in Hammer Horror’s *The Curse of Frankenstein* (1957) and Robert De Niro in Kenneth Branagh’s *Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein* (1994). The story has also inspired diverse interpretations such as Mel Brooks’ 1974 comedy *Young Frankenstein*, Tim Burton’s stop-motion film *Frankenweenie* (2012), and the recent reanimation tale *Poor Things* (2023), starring Emma Stone and directed by Yorgos Lanthimos.
Many fans associate the Monster with a flat-topped head, pale skin, and iconic neck bolts—a look created by legendary makeup artist Jack Pierce for Universal. However, this design is trademarked by the studio, which means filmmakers like del Toro must create their own unique interpretations of “The Creature,” as he is called in the new film.
### The Subtle ‘Karloff Scar’ Tribute
During an October Zoom interview, the Oscar-winning director behind *Pinocchio* and *The Shape of Water* shared that his homage to Karloff lies in the makeup design of The Creature, played by Jacob Elordi. Del Toro described the detail as the “Karloff scar,” located on the right wrist of the Monster.
He traced a circle around his right wrist while explaining the nod, referring to a distinctive scar seen in the original 1931 film. This scar is notably visible when Karloff’s Monster lies on the laboratory table as his right arm begins to move after being brought to life. This subtle feature connects del Toro’s Creature with the classic incarnation without replicating the trademark Universal look.
### Bernie Wrightson’s Influence on the Creature’s Design
Del Toro’s adaptation remains faithful to Mary Shelley’s original novel, which led him to draw inspiration from Bernie Wrightson’s acclaimed illustrations. Wrightson, a former Marvel Comics artist, spent seven years in the 1970s creating more than 50 detailed drawings to accompany a 1983 edition of *Frankenstein*.
“The main visual influence for my film was Bernie Wrightson and the illustrations he did in the ’70s to illustrate the book,” del Toro explained. To honor Wrightson’s legacy, the production team acquired a license from the artist’s widow and credited him in the film.
In addition to Wrightson’s artistry, del Toro studied phrenology manuals and anatomical charts to shape The Creature’s appearance. He believes these influences contribute to making Victor Frankenstein’s (played by Oscar Isaac) creation “a lot more profound” in this cinematic retelling.
### Cast and Availability
*Frankenstein* stars Jacob Elordi as The Creature, along with Oscar Isaac as Dr. Victor Frankenstein. The film’s ensemble also features Mia Goth, Christoph Waltz, Felix Kammerer, Lars Mikkelsen, and Charles Dance.
After its theatrical debut, this meticulously crafted adaptation of Shelley’s novel is now available exclusively on Netflix for streaming.
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Experience Guillermo del Toro’s *Frankenstein* and discover the subtle nods to classic horror alongside a fresh, faithful retelling of one of literature’s most enduring tales.
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