In a major development for Guillermo del Toro’s highly anticipated Netflix adaptation of Frankenstein, Andrew Garfield has been replaced by Jacob Elordi as the Monster, bringing both surprise and speculation to the production. The decision for Andrew Garfield to be replaced by Jacob Elordi in Frankenstein has sparked conversation among fans and industry insiders, with many eager to see how this bold choice could reshape the classic tale.
Jacob Elordi’s Unique Fit for Frankenstein’s Monster
Fans of Andrew Garfield, known for his role as Spider-Man, initially voiced disappointment upon hearing the news. Yet, Elordi’s casting could mark a turning point for the project. Standing at 6’5”, Jacob Elordi has the physical presence that Mary Shelley’s Monster is famous for—the kind that instills fear and awe in equal measure. While Garfield’s acting talent is not in question, Elordi’s towering stature and dramatic style give him a natural alignment with the Gothic and tragic persona required in del Toro’s vision. The Monster’s on-screen transformation requires a blend of menace and vulnerability, and Elordi’s recent performances suggest he is well equipped for the task.
Historical Precedents for Last-Minute Casting Changes
Hollywood history is replete with casting shake-ups that, initially controversial, later proved inspired. During the making of There Will Be Blood, Kel O’Neill was originally cast before being replaced by Paul Dano. The switch happened rapidly, as Dano shared with IndieWire:
“I had 3 1/2 to 4 days to get ready for the first day. That was just guts and instinct, not a lot of preparation.”
—Paul Dano, Actor
Another classic example is Eric Stoltz being replaced by Michael J. Fox after several weeks of filming Back to the Future—an audacious move that helped define the beloved movie. Michelle Pfeiffer’s stepping in for Annette Bening to play Catwoman in Batman Returns similarly changed the course of that film. Even Alfred Hitchcock’s classic North by Northwest benefited from Cary Grant’s unique approach in a role initially intended for James Stewart, proving that the right match between actor and role can transform a film’s fate.
Such changes often stem from practical reasons rather than questions of skill or personality. In this case, Jacob Elordi stepped in due to Andrew Garfield’s scheduling conflicts, rather than artistic differences. Reflecting on the transition, Garfield shared his thoughts with Deadline:
“I was hearing how amazing, how satisfying it was for him and I was very, very glad it was him doing it.”
—Andrew Garfield, Actor
These examples show that sometimes cinematic history is made less by careful planning than by the willingness to adapt when challenges arise, allowing actors whose attributes perfectly match the role to shine.
Jacob Elordi’s Rapid Rise and Expanding Range
Jacob Elordi’s ascent from unknown Australian actor to major Hollywood lead signals his capacity for both reinvention and complex roles. He first garnered popularity through The Kissing Booth trilogy, but it was his portrayal of Nate Jacobs in HBO’s Euphoria that announced his credentials as a serious performer, engaging with psychologically layered material. Elordi later tackled the role of Elvis Presley in Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla, further demonstrating his ability to handle iconic, multifaceted figures.
His recent performance in Saltburn highlighted a willingness to seek out characters that are demanding and original, fitting well with the duality central to Frankenstein’s Monster—a figure who embodies both innocence and destructive power. The Monster’s journey traverses extremes—from scientific marvel to tragic outcast—and requires an actor who can move between threat and vulnerability, rage and reason. Elordi’s evolving portfolio suggests he is prepared to deliver on those demands.
Del Toro’s Ambition and the Power of Ensemble Casting
Guillermo del Toro’s approach to Frankenstein prioritizes both the grand and the uncanny—a blend of beauty and terror that’s defined his filmmaking. While Andrew Garfield could have imbued the character with an introspective quality, Elordi’s presence brings a more instinctive and visceral edge to the part. Alongside him, the cast features Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein, Mia Goth, Christoph Waltz as Dr. Pretorius, and Felix Kammerer as William, creating a lineup rich in dramatic possibility.
The project has the support of Netflix and is scheduled for release in November 2025. As del Toro explained when discussing the legacy of the character and Boris Karloff’s original performance:
“When I was a kid, I saw the movie, I was incredibly moved by the fact that the creature was an innocent. When I saw him, there was such a serene, innocent essential grays in the way Boris portrayed the creature. There was a beauty that was truly holy, truly transcendental in the way he portrayed it, and then I read the book and I realised the book has not been made,”
—Guillermo del Toro, Director
This upcoming adaptation aims to realize both the emotional depth of Mary Shelley’s novel and introduce new layers to the Monster’s character, offering Elordi what could be his most challenging and rewarding part yet. The synergy among a group of actors unafraid to take risks is set to drive a fresh perspective on a timeless classic.
The Enduring Significance of Unexpected Replacements
By continuing the tradition of transformative last-minute casting, the decision for Andrew Garfield to be replaced by Jacob Elordi in Frankenstein could prove decisive in shaping cinematic history. From Paul Dano’s breakneck preparation for There Will Be Blood to Michael J. Fox’s era-defining arrival in Back to the Future, film legend is often built on risks taken at the eleventh hour. With his combination of presence, talent, and hunger for complex material, Elordi’s Monster now stands poised to leave an indelible mark on audiences, while Guillermo del Toro’s vision for Mary Shelley’s story looks set to push boundaries and expectations yet again.
The ensemble cast, ambitious direction, and sheer unpredictability of the journey ahead all point to a Frankenstein that may not only honor its gothic roots but set new standards for adaptation in today’s cinematic landscape.
