Jacob Elordi Reveals Truth Behind His ‘Frankenstein’ Role

Jacob Elordi, the Australian actor starring as the Creature in Netflix’s upcoming film Frankenstein, spoke openly about the challenges and realities of his demanding role. Directed by Guillermo del Toro, the film explores a fresh interpretation of Mary Shelley’s classic novel, with Elordi emphasizing that portraying Frankenstein’s monster was a transformative but not torturous experience.

Jacob Elordi’s Experience Playing Frankenstein’s Creature

At 28 years old, Jacob Elordi, recognized for his performance in Saltburn, undertook the intense role of The Creature in Guillermo del Toro’s adaptation of Frankenstein. Preparing for the character involved spending long hours in elaborate makeup and prosthetics, sometimes up to ten hours daily, being fitted with 42 separate pieces to create the monster’s distinctive appearance. Despite this physical demand, Elordi explained that the psychological aspect of the role did not involve torment or suffering as is often presumed.

Speaking at the film’s Los Angeles premiere, Elordi shared,

“There’s a certain point once the prosthetics go on where they kind of demand that you are The Creature and there’s a level of focus that needs to come to the role. But at the same time Guillermo created such a free set, I hate when people say this but he really created a safe space, so it was creatively very liberating to be on that set,”

he told The Hollywood Reporter.

Rejecting the stereotype that powerful performances must stem from personal anguish or torture, Elordi noted,

“It was a little different to that.”

Guillermo del Toro’s Vision and Praise for Elordi’s Dedication

Director Guillermo del Toro lauded Elordi’s professionalism and endurance throughout the rigorous production. Del Toro highlighted Elordi’s patience and grace under pressure, comparing the layers of prosthetics to the ceremonial robes of a priest, symbolizing the actor’s immersion into his role.

“He did it all with grace and patience and love. 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.’ And the result is heartbreaking and beautiful. It’s a really naked performance – emotionally so close to innocence that it breaks your heart,”

the director explained.

Del Toro also expressed his own complex emotions as the film neared release, sharing how the process triggered a mix of fulfillment and melancholy. He reflected on the bittersweet feeling of completing the project after intense effort, saying,

“It’s postpartum depression and celebration at the same time. And it’s because when the horizon shifts that brutally, like if you dreamed of making the team or dreamed about graduating or whatever and then you do it and you go, ‘Ah!’, like the elevator dropped, so that’s the one thing; the other one is the joy of having achieved, with a great team, a very operatic, beautiful, epic intimate story about fathers and sons and fathers and sons transmitting the pain. And the power of forgiveness and acceptance is not an easy task.”

Storytelling Focus on The Creature and Victor Frankenstein

The film paints a narrative centered on the relationship between the Creature and his creator, Victor Frankenstein, portrayed by Oscar Isaac. Set against the backdrop of the Crimean War (1853-1856), the story delves into themes of pain, forgiveness, and the complex bond between fathers and sons. Del Toro described Victor’s role vividly:

“He’s (Victor Frankenstein) working with a bunch of mutilated corpses. This is a resurrected soldier out of a mass grave, basically.”

The cast also features Mia Goth, Felix Kammerer, Lars Mikkelsen, David Bradley, Christian Convery, Charles Dance, and Christoph Waltz, adding depth and experience to this cinematic retelling.

Additional Frankenstein Adaptations in Development

Alongside this Netflix project, another adaptation focusing on The Bride of Frankenstein is in production by director Maggie Gyllenhaal. This film stars Jessie Buckley as The Bride with Christian Bale playing Frankenstein’s monster. Meanwhile, Sebastian Stan is set to appear in a Romanian version of the story, portraying a distinct take on the character.

As Jacob Elordi’s Frankenstein release approaches, the film promises a powerful and emotional depiction of Shelley’s timeless tale, highlighting the humanity within the monster while exploring deeper themes of identity and forgiveness.