Jacob Elordi is almost unrecognizable in the first official images from Guillermo del Toro Frankenstein, showcasing the actor’s transformation into the iconic Creature in the filmmaker’s latest adaptation. Released by Netflix on October 24, these haunting visuals depict Elordi’s patchwork monster alongside Oscar Isaac’s portrayal of Victor Frankenstein. The film also features Mia Goth, Felix Kammerer, and Christoph Waltz, with del Toro directing and co-writing this gothic retelling.
Release Details and Storyline Overview
The film is currently screening in select theaters and will be available for streaming worldwide on Netflix starting November 7. This adaptation revisits Mary Shelley’s classic story, focusing on a brilliant yet arrogant scientist who defies natural laws by reviving the dead, ultimately unleashing a creature that brings about his downfall. Elordi’s appearance in these images reveals a significant departure from his usual roles, presenting a pale, scarred, and wild-haired Creature whose eyes reflect profound sorrow.
The Intense Transformation and Dedication Required
Elordi’s transformation into the Creature involved a demanding process, including spending up to ten hours daily in makeup. Reflecting on this experience, he told Variety,
“You throw time away when you make a film like this,”
and,
“I didn’t do breakfast, lunch, or dinner, or think in terms of morning, afternoon, night. It was just one time.”
Guillermo del Toro praised Elordi’s commitment, noting,
“Never once did he come to me and complain,”
and,
“Never once did he say, ‘I’m tired. I’m hungry. Can I go?’ And he put in 20-hour days.”
Impact on Elordi’s Acting Approach and Filmmaker’s Vision
The role left a lasting impression on Elordi’s approach to acting. He admitted,
“Playing The Creature changed me fundamentally,”
and,
“It changed the way that I approach performance and the way that I watch movies.”
At the Toronto International Film Festival, del Toro explained how he was drawn to Elordi despite the actor’s Hollywood leading man status. The director remarked,
“All it takes is for me to see ‘Saltburn.’ And talking to him, I just saw a magnificent actor, and the soulfulness of his eyes is just overwhelming,”
underscoring Elordi’s depth beyond his appearance.
The Significance of This Project Within Del Toro’s Body of Work
Frankenstein represents another ambitious undertaking for Guillermo del Toro, who is celebrated for blending fantasy and horror with heartfelt storytelling, as seen in films like Pan’s Labyrinth and The Shape of Water. With Elordi embodying one of literature’s most tragic characters, this film promises to be both chilling and emotionally complex, offering a fresh perspective on a timeless tale of creation and consequence.
