Guillermo del Toro has been waiting to create “Frankenstein” since he was seven years old. He recalls seeing the 1931 film “Frankenstein” starring Boris Karloff for the first time in a theatre as a child and marks that moment as when “Gothic horror became [his] church.” In a statement to Netflix, the Oscar-winning director called it an “honor” to bring Mary Shelley’s cautionary tale to life on the big screen.
Just as Shelley warned in 1818, the story begins as a harmless scientific experiment but quickly descends into madness and chaos as the Creature searches for love and acceptance. Production designer Tamara Deverell, who also worked on “Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities,” played a crucial role in creating the exquisite set in England. Taking inspiration from the story, Deverell stitched together parts and pieces for the movie’s sets. Those intricate set pieces, combined with real-world locations, add a grandeur and curiosity to the story that set this film apart from its predecessors.
Where Did They Film The Original ‘Frankenstein’?
The original “Frankenstein” was filmed in the early 1900s at Universal Studios Hollywood. Specifically, the Little Europe sets that existed at the time served as the backdrop for much of the film. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to visit these incredible sets as major fires destroyed them. According to Studio Tour, a 1932 fire engulfed 50 acres of the studio’s property, completely destroying four movie sets and causing up to $100,000 in damage. Two roaring bushfires in the area caused another fire in 1949 on the studio’s back lot. Damage from this fire led to “several thousand dollars” worth of damage, per Studio Tour.
Because of these events, the Little Europe sets used for the 1931 “Frankenstein” were rebuilt in 1967, and although they still stand today, they no longer look the same as they once did. Additional filming for the original “Frankenstein” took place on sound stages within Universal Studios Hollywood. Frankenstein’s laboratory was created on Stage 12 using electrical machinery donated by Kenneth Strickfaden, Studio Tour reports.
Burghley House, England, Became Frankenstein’s Home
Burghley House, located near Stamford, Lincolnshire, is a 16th-century house built by William Cecil to honor Queen Elizabeth I. This Elizabethan prodigy house is covered with ornate art, gold-framed paintings, kitchenware and living room sets from centuries past. Surrounding the house are two gardens – the Sculpture Garden and the Garden of Surprises. The calming Sculpture Garden features impressive sculptures, wildflowers and Capability Brown’s lake. The Garden of Surprises, on the other hand, was inspired by Classical civilizations, astronomy and astrology, which are interests that are frequently included in Elizabethan structures. A moss house, a mirrored maze and Neptune’s shell grotto are just a few of the many exhibits included in this fascinating nursery.
During September of 2024, much of the Burghley House was closed to visitors as filming for “Frankenstein” took place. Crew members temporarily took over the Old Kitchen, the Bow Room and the Great Hall to capture the specific 16th-century charm. Prior visitors to the estate may recognize parts of the home in scenes featuring Frankenstein as he works toward creating the monster. The Burghley House reports that it is one of “England’s most sought-after filming locations,” and prior filming credits include “The Flash,” “The Crown” and “Pride and Prejudice.”
Wilton House, England, Became Frankenstein’s Home, Too
Victor Frankenstein’s ancestral home was filmed in part at Wilton House, located in Wilton near Salisbury. Considered a family home for over 450 years, Wilton House includes an Adventure House for kids and a cafe on site for visitors looking for a morning coffee or light lunch. The Earl and Countess of Pembroke currently reside in the home and open it to visitors who wish to gaze upon the sculpture and classic car collections and the beautiful stained glass windows. The 60-foot-long Double Cube Room is particularly recognizable with its gold leaf accents, hand-painted ceilings and gilded furniture. The room is featured in del Toro’s film as part of Frankenstein’s estate.
The Wilton House, along with the Burghley House, Scotland’s Dunecht House and Gosford House, was cinematically stitched together to create the impressive abode of the crazed scientist in the flick. The Wilton House has been featured in numerous other productions, most notably “Bridgerton,” “The Crown” and “Sense and Sensibility,” according to House Beautiful.
‘Frankenstein’ Was Created in Toronto, Ontario
Key Scenes: The opening scenes that take place in “Farthest North” were filmed in a parking lot of a studio in Toronto, reports the Motion Picture Association. Complex set pieces, including the ship and icebergs topped with real ice and snow, were created by the crew to evoke a realistic feel of the icy scene. Additional scenes were shot in Cinespace Toronto’s Marine Terminal Campus, per Cinespace Studios’ Instagram post about the shoot.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn are ideal times for visiting Toronto, Ontario, with comfortable weather and less tourists than the summer months.
Transportation Options: Toronto’s main airport is the Toronto Pearson International Airport. From there, the Toronto Transportation Commission is known as one of North America’s best transportation options, offering easy commutes in and around the city via trams and buses, all accessible with a reloadable payment card.
Ontario’s capital city was a central filming location for “Frankenstein,” with many of the pivotal scenes taking place at Cinespace Studios there and in the surrounding York Region area. Crew members used as many of the studio’s amenities as possible and even got creative, making icebergs out of metal, styrofoam and silicone. Deverell used her prior knowledge of shipbuilding to create the ship seen at the start of the film, as well as a block of “flipping ice” located at the base of the ship to be used in the scene when the Creature falls off the ship, per Motion Pictures.
The Cinemaholic reports that the lush scenery and large lakes around North Bay were used in scenes that contrasted the natural beauty of the world with the scientific amalgamation that was Frankenstein’s Creature. The scenes were scripted to be somewhere “non-specific in Europe,” Deverell said, and this countryside area worked perfectly for appearing “particularly fairytale-like, with the trees coming out of the rocks.”
Things to Do: Get the best views of the city by climbing the 1,815-foot-tall CN Tower and looking out from the observation deck. If heights aren’t your thing, visit the 1914 castle known as Casa Loma to admire elaborate decor and exhibits detailing early Canadian history. You can also enjoy your surroundings at Toronto Island Park by renting a bike or admiring the skyline.
Where to Eat: The St. Lawrence Market, over 200 years old, is renowned for serving up delicious food in a traditional farmers’ market style, making it a great choice for any meal. If you’re a Toronto Blue Jays fan, take a trip to Rogers Centre and eat at the Hard Rock Cafe on site for an unforgettable experience.
Where to Stay: The Hazelton Hotel, located in the Yorkville area of Toronto, is a perfect place to rest if you hope to absorb the fashion, art and culture of the area. In Toronto’s Entertainment District is the newly renamed Sutton Place Hotel Toronto.
Frequently Asked Questions
What language are they speaking in “Frankenstein”?
English is the primary language spoken in del Toro’s “Frankenstein,” though some characters also speak Danish.
Who plays the monster in “Frankenstein”?
Jacob Elordi stars as the creature in Guillermo del Toro’s film.
