Filipino artist tapped for Criterion’s ‘Frankenstein’ alternative poster

Inspired by Michelangelo’s “La Pietà,” the artwork—which Balbaboco shared in November 2025—depicted the Creature and Elizabeth, gaining over 400,000 views on X and more than 150,000 likes on Instagram.

Del Toro’s team later contacted Balbaboco to license the piece for Netflix’s Oscars campaign. In January, the tribute poster was also transformed into murals at Alfred Coffee’s Studio City and Silverlake branches in Los Angeles.

Earlier this year, Criterion Art Director Eric Skillman reached out to Balbaboco through Del Toro’s recommendation, leading to a commission for an official alternative poster for the film’s Criterion release.

“The overall concept [for the new alternative poster] came from Guillermo,” Balbaboco told radar. “He really liked my original artwork of the Creature and Elizabeth and wanted the new piece to carry that same spirit.”

Following Del Toro’s creative direction, Balbaboco drew inspiration from another classical painting: Giovanni Battista Tiepolo’s “The Martyrdom of St. Bartholomew.” The new piece depicts Victor Frankenstein cradling the Creature in chains, highlighting what the filmmaker described as the pair’s “twisted father and son relationship.”

Reflecting on the milestone, the artist said the commission carried more weight than he initially admitted.

“To be recognized by someone whose work you admire, and to be trusted with contributing to their vision, is incredibly meaningful,” he said. “It’s a reminder that sincere work can resonate with people in ways you never expect.”

With the project, Balbaboco became only the second Filipino artist to work with Criterion, following Jhomar Soriano, who designed the cover for the distributor’s 2013 release of “Zatoichi the Outlaw.”

Balbaboco has previously created posters for several Filipino films, including “Call Me Mother,” “A Very Good Girl,” and “Un/Happy For You.” He has also worked with filmmaker Carl Joseph Papa on “Iti Mapukpukaw,” “58th,” and the short film “The Next 24 Hours.”

Looking back on his journey—from creating a tribute out of pure admiration to landing an official international collaboration—Balbaboco hopes it reminds fellow Filipino artists to keep creating for the love of the craft.

“Sometimes the opportunities you dream of come from the artwork you made simply because you couldn’t help but make it.”

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