James Cameron Persuaded Guillermo del Toro to Cut Key Frankenstein Scene

Guillermo del Toro recently opened up about a tough creative decision he made while working on his long-awaited adaptation of Frankenstein. The acclaimed director shared that he relies on a close circle of trusted friends for honest feedback on his films, and this time, their input led to a significant change.

Speaking at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, del Toro explained his process:

"What I do – because we don't test the movies – I show it to the 14, 16 most brilliant friends I know, and I'm blessed with good friendships,"

he said. When asked who makes up this inner circle, he listed some of the biggest names in the industry:

"Alfonso Cuarón, Alejandro Iñárritu, Jim Cameron, Rian Johnson, Steven [Spielberg],"

among others. According to del Toro, these friends are encouraged to be brutally honest with their opinions.

James Cameron 's Unfiltered Advice

During one of these private screenings, James Cameron offered a piece of advice that would ultimately shape the final cut of Frankenstein.

"Jim [Cameron] came in and he said, 'Look, there's this section' – which is not in the movie anymore – 'This is beautiful, but you gotta take it out. And it was about seven minutes… When someone gives me a note that is in that circle, I do it. I don't argue."

Del Toro didn't hesitate to follow Cameron's suggestion, even though the scene in question was one he considered beautiful.

The decision to remove the seven-minute sequence was not taken lightly, but del Toro's respect for his peers and their creative instincts made it easier to accept. He emphasized that when feedback comes from someone he trusts, he acts on it without debate.

Frankenstein: A Passion Project Years in the Making

Frankenstein has been a dream project for del Toro for nearly twenty years. The film stars Oscar Isaac as the infamous scientist, whose daring experiments lead to the creation of the Creature, portrayed by Jacob Elordi. The story, while rooted in classic horror, takes a deeply personal approach under del Toro's direction.

Jacob Elordi, who plays the Creature, described the film as a reflection of del Toro himself.

"It definitely highlights the personal over the scientific,"

Elordi said last year.

"To me, it's a biography of Guillermo's."

This personal touch is evident throughout the movie, making the decision to cut any scene—especially one considered beautiful—even more significant.

What’s Next for Cameron and Where to Watch Frankenstein

While del Toro was making tough calls in the editing room, James Cameron was busy with his own blockbuster. His latest sci-fi adventure, Avatar: Fire and Ash, premiered last month, introducing audiences to new threats and alliances in the ever-expanding Avatar universe.

For those eager to see del Toro's vision come to life, Frankenstein is now streaming on Netflix. If you're searching for more top picks, check out the latest guide to the best movies available on the platform in 2026.