For his role as the Creature in Guillermo del Toro’s new film adaptation of Frankenstein, Jacob Elordi underwent an extensive prosthetic process to bring the character to life. The actor’s dedication to the Jacob Elordi Frankenstein transformation involved daily sessions lasting around 10 hours, during which he was fitted with approximately 42 pieces of makeup and prosthetics.
The Demanding Process Behind Jacob Elordi’s Role as Frankenstein’s Creature
Playing Frankenstein’s Creature proved challenging for Elordi, as Guillermo del Toro revealed at the Los Angeles premiere on October 6. The Oscar-winning director explained how Elordi approached the transformation with exceptional patience and care, embracing the lengthy and intricate makeup routine required to embody the role.
“He took around 10 hours every day,”
Guillermo said,
“and about 42 pieces of makeup, prosthetics. And then he would have to work.”
The director praised Elordi’s attitude throughout the process:
“He did it all with grace and patience and love.”
To help Elordi fully connect with the character, Guillermo likened the prosthetic application to a ceremonial ritual, saying,
“I told him, ‘Look, it’s like when a priest is getting dressed, there are many layers to the robes and the ceremonial guard. You have to think, this is your Ceremonial Guard. You’re invoking the Creature.’”
The result, Guillermo added, is an emotionally raw performance:
“It’s a really naked performance—emotionally so close to innocence that it breaks your heart.”
Additional Preparations and Inspirations for the Creature’s Character
Beyond makeup, Elordi enhanced his portrayal of Frankenstein’s Creature through movement and study. He took classes in Japanese butoh dance to embody the Creature’s physicality and immersed himself in the Book of Job from the Bible, deepening his understanding of suffering and resilience. This commitment helped Elordi capture the nuanced vulnerability of the character.
Cast and Crew Praise for Elordi’s Commitment
Oscar Isaac, who plays Dr. Victor Frankenstein in the film, admired Elordi’s professionalism and dedication. He described Elordi as “so put together” and “so effortless” despite enduring long makeup sessions.
“He never complained. He was in 10 hours of makeup every day,”
Isaac said. He further emphasized Elordi’s ability to convey openness and vulnerability on screen:
“The fact that he would just show up and was so beautiful and vulnerable and vulnerable and open, I was so impressed with him.”
Elordi stepped into the Creature’s role after Andrew Garfield withdrew due to scheduling conflicts. Guillermo del Toro endorsed Elordi as the ideal fit for the part, stating in an interview with Vanity Fair,
“We have a supernaturally good connection. It’s like, very few words. Very few things I have to say, and he does it.”
Approach to Previous Frankenstein Performances
Although many iconic actors, including Boris Karloff, Robert De Niro, and Benedict Cumberbatch, have famously played Frankenstein’s monster, Elordi initially hesitated to watch their performances.
“At first I thought, ‘I’ll stay away from this. I want to do my own thing,’”
he admitted. Curious about how to prepare, he asked Guillermo whether he should study those past portrayals. Guillermo’s blunt response was,
“What the f–k do you mean?”
This encouragement led Elordi to binge-watch previous Frankenstein films, understanding that the risk of influence was minimal. He recalled Guillermo telling him,
“My friend, it’s a movie, it can’t f–king hurt you.”
Film Release and Broader Context of Onscreen Transformations
Frankenstein is scheduled to debut in select theaters on October 17, with availability on Netflix beginning November 7. Elordi’s transformation adds to a rich history of actors taking on roles that involve remarkable physical and emotional changes.
Christian Bale’s Transformation in Various Roles
Christian Bale is known for extreme physical changes in his work, gaining over 40 pounds for his role as a beer-bellied con artist in American Hustle (2013) and again for playing former U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney in Vice (2018), both performances earning him Oscar nominations. For Ford v Ferrari (2019), Bale shed 70 pounds to portray Ken Miles, the race car driver, demonstrating his commitment to character authenticity. This was not his first time changing weight dramatically, as he had lost approximately 30 pounds for the 2011 film The Fighter.
Glenn Close’s Detailed Prosthetic Work in Hillbilly Elegy
Glenn Close underwent extensive prosthetic transformation to portray Mamaw Vance, a real-life Appalachian grandmother, in Hillbilly Elegy (2020). Special effects artist Matthew Mungle used molds from Close’s earlier work on Albert Nobbs (2011) to create new false ears and a nose, accurately aging her for the role. This helped Close deliver a performance that earned her an Oscar nomination.
Sebastian Stan’s Role in The Apprentice
Sebastian Stan also experienced significant preparation for his role in The Apprentice, further exemplifying the trend of actors deeply committing to character transformations across various films.
