Jacob Elordi’s Frankenstein transformation has stunned audiences ahead of the movie’s release, revealing a haunting new version of the iconic monster. The actor, known for his role in Euphoria, adopted the role of Frankenstein’s Creature in Guillermo del Toro’s eagerly awaited film, with a striking appearance that is both unsettling and captivating.
A Disturbing New Appearance for Frankenstein’s Creature
Elordi’s portrayal of the Creature showcases a pale, almost ghostly complexion, with sunken eyes surrounded by deep shadows that contribute to a hollow and eerie gaze. His face bears realistic, jagged scars and a somber expression, complemented by colorless lips, creating an unsettling gothic image. Long, stringy hair completes the visual transformation, underscoring the expertise of the makeup artists responsible for the look.
Alongside Elordi, his co-stars Oscar Isaac, Mia Goth, Felix Kammerer, and Christoph Waltz appear in Victorian-era costumes, as revealed in images posted on Netflix’s official Instagram on October 24. The film was shot primarily in Toronto, Canada, and Scotland, where the demanding makeup process required up to ten hours daily to achieve the Creature’s distinctive visage.
Immersive Preparation and Physical Transformation
Jacob Elordi dedicated himself fully to embodying the role, embracing the physical and psychological demands it entailed. In an interview with Variety, he described the experience of filming as a disruption of his usual daily rhythms.
You throw time away when you make a film like this,
Elordi explained.
I didn’t do breakfast, lunch or dinner, or think in terms of morning, afternoon, night. It was just one time.
Elordi admitted the role profoundly affected his outlook on acting and film.
Taking on this challenging role changed me fundamentally — changed the way that I approach performance and the way that I watch movies,
he said.
The character’s development is reflected in the evolving costume design. When the Creature is first “born,” he wears almost nothing, his chest exposed and posture upright. As he endures the pains of growth and experience, much like a teenager, he begins to hunch his shoulders, closing off further as an adult.
There’s so many different layers to the costume,
the actor noted.
When he’s born, he’s wearing nearly nothing. His chest is open and his head is high. Then, as he starts to experience pain, as we do as a teenager, he starts to hunch his shoulders. And as an adult, he closes off.
The Film’s Thematic Exploration and Critical Reception
The Hollywood Reporter highlighted the movie’s deep exploration of what defines monstrosity, noting that it questions whether it stems from physical appearance or one’s actions. This theme resonates through Elordi’s nuanced performance, capturing the internal conflict and humanity of the Creature beneath his frightening exterior.
Behind the Scenes: Dedication and Professionalism
To prepare for his role, Elordi practiced the Creature’s distinct walk and gestures in front of a mirror, refining his physicality to convey the character’s weariness and isolation. His dedication extended to arriving on set as early as 10 p.m. the night before filming to begin the extensive makeup process. Director Guillermo del Toro praised Elordi’s commitment, emphasizing the actor’s endurance and professionalism.
Never once did he come to me and complain,
del Toro said.
Never once did he come to me and say, ‘I’m tired. I’m hungry. Can I go?’ And he put in 20-hour days.
Elordi was cast as the lead after Andrew Garfield exited the project due to scheduling conflicts just before filming started in March 2024. Del Toro had just nine weeks to find a replacement, but quickly recognized Elordi’s suitability for the role, particularly drawn to the actor’s expressive eyes.
Jacob’s eyes are so full of humanity,
del Toro explained.
I cast him because of his eyes.
Release Details and Anticipation
Frankenstein has opened in select theaters and is scheduled to stream on Netflix starting November 7. Fans and critics alike await this fresh interpretation of the classic story, which promises a blend of atmospheric visuals and thought-provoking storytelling, anchored by Elordi’s transformative performance. His dedication and the film’s exploration of identity and acceptance contribute to its anticipated impact on both horror and dramatic cinema.
