This marks a rare step forward for theatrical-averse Netflix, which is starting to show signs of openness to big-screen releases.
The streamer is giving Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein” a three-week theatrical run starting October 17—a notable expansion, as most expected only a one- to two-week bow for Oscar eligibility.
Here’s del Toro’s statement (via Variety):
It's three weeks exclusively and then it can stay in theaters longer. And Netflix is also going to release it on physical media, just like they did with 'Pinocchio.' The theatrical experience is very important. I believe in it. But if the choice is between being be able to make the movie and have portions of the release be theatrical and portions be streaming or not make the movie, that's an easy decision to make. For a filmmaker, you want to tell your stories.
“Frankenstein” is receiving what Rian Johnson’s “Wake Up Dead Man” could not secure from Netflix chief Ted Sarandos, a promising sign for del Toro, especially given the film’s $120M budget, according to Variety. Sarandos has famously called movie theaters an “outdated concept,” but the tide may be shifting. Greta Gerwig similarly convinced Netflix to grant her Narnia a theatrical run in November 2026.
That said, it’s unlikely that Netflix’s other Oscar hopefuls this year—“Jay Kelly,” “Ballad of a Small Player,” and “A House of Dynamite”—will see the same treatment. The three-week theatrical windows for del Toro and Gerwig could well be outliers.
Del Toro’s film, his ultimate passion project, which he’s been dreaming up since childhood, is set to world premiere at Venice next week, and will then have its North American premiere at TIFF in September.
“Frankenstein” boasts a richly drawn, character-driven cast. Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, Mia Goth, and Christoph Waltz lead the film, supported by a strong ensemble including Lars Mikkelsen, Ralph Ineson, and Charles Dance. It’ll be hitting Netflix on November 7, right after its theatrical bow ends.