Jacob Elordi has taken on the iconic role of Frankenstein’s monster in Guillermo del Toro Frankenstein movie, marking a drastic transformation for the Euphoria star. The first images released show Elordi almost entirely unrecognizable, his face heavily disfigured and wrapped in worn rags, embodying the creature created by Dr. Viktor Frankenstein, played by Oscar Isaac. This early look sets a striking tone for the highly anticipated film, hitting Netflix this November.
Jacob Elordi Chosen as Frankenstein’s Monster After Andrew Garfield Exits
Director Guillermo del Toro praised Elordi as the ideal actor for this complex role after Andrew Garfield had to leave the project due to scheduling conflicts. Del Toro described their collaboration as “a supernaturally good connection” that requires minimal direction, highlighting Elordi’s intuitive understanding of the character. The actor’s physicality and presence are central to the role, as del Toro and the makeup artists work to bring this legendary monster vividly to life.
Makeup artist Mike Hill expressed enthusiasm about Elordi’s unique qualities, saying,
“What attracted me to him was his gangliness and his wrists. It was this looseness. I was like, ‘I don’t know who else you could get with a physicality like this.’”
Hill went on to describe Elordi’s demeanor as deceptive:
“His demeanor is innocent, but it’s encompassed in a six-foot-five frame. He could really do a lot of damage if this man really wanted to be a bad guy.”
Elordi’s Approach to Honoring Past Portrayals of Frankenstein’s Monster
Aware that he is stepping into a role with a rich legacy, including legendary portrayals by Boris Karloff, Christopher Lee, Robert De Niro, and Benedict Cumberbatch, Elordi initially avoided watching earlier adaptations. He said,
“At first I thought, ‘I’ll stay away from this. I want to do my own thing.’ And then I asked Guillermo, ‘Should I watch the other Frankensteins?’ And he goes, ‘What the f–k do you mean?’”
Encouraged by del Toro, Elordi later indulged in a binge-watch of past Frankenstein films to better understand the character without feeling constrained.
“He says, ‘My friend, it’s a movie, it can’t f–king hurt you,’”
Elordi recalled.
“I went home, and I just binged them.”
This blend of respect and individuality is shaping his performance in the Guillermo del Toro Frankenstein movie.
Supporting Cast and Release Plans
Alongside Elordi and Oscar Isaac, the film features notable actors Mia Goth, Charles Dance, and Christoph Waltz, adding depth and experience to the cast. The movie is set to debut on Netflix in November, promising a fresh take on the Frankenstein story with a contemporary psychological and emotional intensity delivered through intense makeup and special effects.
Examples of Remarkable Actor Transformations in Film
The transformation of actors into characters has often involved significant physical and visual changes, similar to Elordi’s transformation in this film. Christian Bale is renowned for his dramatic body changes, gaining over 40 pounds to play a con artist in American Hustle and to portray Dick Cheney in Vice, both roles earning him Oscar nominations. Yet, Bale also lost 70 pounds to embody race car driver Ken Miles in Ford v Ferrari, showing his versatility and commitment to realism.
Glenn Close underwent a radical change for her role as Mamaw Vance in Hillbilly Elegy, using prosthetics crafted by special effects artist Matthew Mungle to alter her ears and nose dramatically. This meticulous physical alteration brought her true to life and gained her an Oscar nomination as well.
Sebastian Stan transformed to play Donald Trump in The Apprentice, working with the same hairstylist and makeup team who created his looks for Pam & Tommy. He also gained weight to authentically portray the former president’s physique, emphasizing the importance of both appearance and mannerisms in such roles.
The Significance of Transformation in Storytelling
Jacob Elordi’s portrayal in Guillermo del Toro Frankenstein movie exemplifies how physical transformation supports a deeper, more immersive storytelling experience. By embracing both the physical demands and emotional complexity of the monster, Elordi continues a tradition of actors redefining this character for each generation. The film’s release will offer audiences a new perspective on a classic story, blending modern filmmaking techniques with timeless themes of creation, identity, and humanity.
