Jacob Elordi, known for his role in Saltburn, found a unique muse while preparing to play Frankenstein’s monster in Guillermo del Toro’s new film adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic novel. Instead of relying solely on the many famous actors who have portrayed the creature before him, Elordi drew significant inspiration from his golden retriever, Layla, to shape the physical expression of his character.
The actor’s approach to the role combined both cinematic history and personal experiences, blending these influences to create a fresh interpretation of the iconic figure.
Drawing on His Dog’s Behavior to Embody the Creature
Elordi explained in an exclusive interview with RadioTimes.com that Layla’s nonverbal communication greatly influenced his performance.
“I mean, like a child, she doesn’t speak, obviously, so everything that she does physically is to get what she needs or to show how she feels,”
he said. This creature-like way of interacting with the world became a model for Elordi, who described his dog as “also incredibly sensitive.”
He further reflected,
“I see the whole world in my dog’s eyes,”
emphasizing how Layla’s instincts and emotive behavior helped him bring a raw and instinctual physicality to the monster’s character.
A Wide Range of Personal and Cinematic Influences
Beyond his dog, Elordi acknowledged his role drew from an extensive pool of references spanning his life and career. He cited influences reaching from films he has seen, conversations he has had, and even moments of personal hardship.
“I mean, every movie I’ve ever seen, every conversation I’ve ever had, every time I’ve broken a bone, every little breakdown, every moment of ecstatic joy that I couldn’t control, everything,”
Elordi shared.
He noted that this highly personal integration of emotions shaped the creature’s physical presence, stating,
“It was very much a big part of myself, I think, in the physicality of the creature. It’s strange because it’s not human, but it almost feels more human than me walking around like a guy!”
Notable Cast and Positive Reception at Venice Film Festival
Joining Elordi in the film is Oscar Isaac, who stars as the scientist Victor Frankenstein. The cast also includes Mia Goth, Christoph Waltz, and David Bradley in crucial roles. Since its debut at the Venice Film Festival, the film has received strong critical praise, particularly highlighting Elordi’s performance.
In their five-star review, Radio Times noted that Elordi
“truly shows his dexterity in a performance of few words but grand and sometimes heartbreaking gestures.”
The review also described the movie as
“the accumulation of three-and-a-half decades of filmmaking knowledge”
by Guillermo del Toro, resulting in
“a tragic tale told in a captivating manner.”
Availability and What to Expect Next
Currently, Frankenstein is playing in select cinemas with a planned release on Netflix scheduled for November 7, 2025. The film’s combination of historic literary roots, innovative direction, and a deeply personal performance from Elordi promises a fresh take on the timeless story.
As audiences anticipate the broader release, Elordi’s approach to embodying the creature through the lens of his dog and personal experiences stands out as a remarkable creative choice that deepens the emotional resonance of the character.
